Refusing Service as a Business Owner on Ethical Grounds
Imagine you run a commercial photography studio. The following scenario arises:
A potential client calls; it's the 'Holy Church of God is More Colourful than a Baboon's Arse' (not a real church, just in case you were wondering). This church wants some promotional shots of the congregation. You end the call saying you will provide a quote (as normal), and then quickly google the church to get a sense of their needs. My search turns up that this church is strongly homophobic. Wetboro Baptist Church level homophobic (you can swap that out with anything comparable that you find abhorrent if gay rights ain't your thing)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Allen Sneed on -
In the US store owners can refuse service to anyone. Discrimination laws don't prevent us from refusing to work for dickheads. I would never promote an anti-gay group any more than I would promote the KKK. It's an easy yes, refuse service, in my mind.
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Permalink Reply by Sophie on -
Did you know that if you have fewer than 15 employee's you can discriminate who you hire? Perfectly legal.
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Permalink Reply by Kris Feenstra on -
Is this just because equal employment opportunity laws don't apply for companies of that size?
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Permalink Reply by Atheist Exile on -
As a successful business owner, you need to be INCLUSIVE, not confrontational. Why get into business if profit isn't your primary motive? If you were running a charity or other non-profit business, then I can understand. Otherwise, unless your business is harmed by a person or group, you're chasing away valuable customers by confronting them.
Should ethics dominate all facets of life (including business)? That depends on what you hope to achieve. We're humans . . . not saints. Idealism versus realism. Which is better?
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Permalink Reply by Matt Coulthurst on -
It comes down, I think, to where an individual wishes to draw the line. That line will probably be different for different people.
How much are you prepared to put up with in order to make a profit? I know I definitely have my limits.
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Permalink Reply by Kris Feenstra on
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It will also vary depending on the industry and the relationship between service provider and client.
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Permalink Reply by Jewelz on -
Get the money up front and recruit your most flaming gay friend as your personal assistant that day.
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Permalink Reply by Radu Andreiu on -
LOL
I like it.
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Permalink Reply by Kris Feenstra on
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I probably know more lesbians that would fit the job requirements, but the same principle should still apply.
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Permalink Reply by Trish E. Harmon on -
Bahahaha! Great idea!
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Permalink Reply by Radu Andreiu on
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I remember an episode of Boston Legal, where this lawyer, Alan Shore, represented a nice family of white supremacists, even though, obviously, he despised the very idea of one race being superior to another. He made some ironical remarks about their views, but he did represent them.
I think discrimination shouldn't be fought with discrimination. That's why racists and even anti free speech folks have the right to free speech. We don't ban them these rights, even though we might strongly disagree with them. In the hypothetical case you thought of, this church would go to another company and would get their service. This is why you should accept them as your client and earn some well-deserved bucks. It's the capitalist and liberal way.
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Permalink Reply by Dan on -
Well, I would just quote them a MUCH higher than normal rate. That way if they accept your quote, you at least paid for your silent contempt. If they refuse, meh.
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