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Re:Website pulled on US church that wants to burn Korans [by... by callmeed on Thursday September 09, 2010 @04:02PM (#1676719)
I agree with most of what you said and, as one whose business hosts websites, I'd probably do the same as Rackspace.

However, the "business relationship is a two way street" theory has some caveats. While many of us are familiar with the "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone" signs in brick and mortar stores, it's not always that simple.

Take the wedding photographer who was sued (and lost) for refusing to photograph a same-sex wedding: http://www.cbn.com/CBNnews/357084.aspx

Obiviously, these examples aren't entirely analogous, but given the litigious nature of American society, any time you refuse/halt service to a customer, it has to be considered. I could easily see this Quran-burning pastor suing on the grounds that he was discriminated against.

Re:Website pulled on US church that wants to burn Korans [by... by jeromec on Thursday September 09, 2010 @04:40PM (#1676857)
It is discriminatory to treat someone differently because of an attribute they have which they cannot change. So, for example, I shouldn't refuse to photograph weddings of same-sex couples, or midgets, or disabled persons etc.

I could easily see this Quran-burning pastor suing on the grounds that he was discriminated against.

How could he claim that? Federal law forbids discrimination in hiring based on religion, but that doesn't mean once I hire a Muslim worker because of his ability to perform the job I have to allow him to take out a rug, kneel and pray for an hour each day while on the clock. He still has to play by my rules, which are applied equally to everyone.

Re:Website pulled on US church that wants to burn Korans [by... by DJN on Saturday September 11, 2010 @04:12PM (#1682256)
Dude, the prayers last for about 5 minutes each and it only occurs 5 times a day, 2 of which are during normal working hours. I assume it's fine to let someone knock off work for 10 minutes a day. Heck, I know loads of people who spend hours "working on Facebook".
Re:Website pulled on US church that wants to burn Korans [by... by danilocampos on Thursday September 09, 2010 @04:13PM (#1676754)
Sure, civil rights laws were enacted to ensure that discriminatory practices that are patently hateful don't enjoy legal protection.

Still, this is not that. This isn't a guy quietly practicing his faith and sharing it peacefully with others. To hear some people say it, he's honestly inciting violence. He's being willfully, dangerously provocative.

Wouldn't be surprised if he did find a lawyer to buy him a few more minutes in the spotlight. Interesting angle, and one I hadn't thought of. Ugh, dealing with people: at once the best and worst part of business.