Luis wrote above:
[[ I'm uncomfortable with the idea of basing secular laws on religious beliefs ]]
Then you'd be at odds with this guy:
"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."
- John Adams
John Adams was far more religious than many of his peers and such an interpretation isn't surprising. But that perception has been used on these forums for several years, almost always to justify Christian political goals. Would it be equally as pertinent in justifying, say, Sharia law or certain Mormon practices? While the 14th Amendment restricts only government entities from most (not all) discrimination, it does not prevent government from enacting laws to restrict discrimination.
As this excellent thread has shown however is that there are legitimate concerns from both sides when the religious rights of individuals conflict with the laws against discrimination. For me the issue is less selling a product routinely kept in inventory, rather requiring a business to use its creative abilities to sell services that would conflict with the owner's religious principles.
Obama's EEOC has concluded Muslim drivers can refuse to transport alcohol due to their religious principles. Muslim cabbies are still refusing to pick up passengers who have been drinking, or carrying alcohol. Even seeing-eye dogs have been refused by Muslims.
It's an issue that the courts will have to work with, and I doubt state and federal courts will agree on any of the aspects of these complex challenges.
