On Last Week Tonight, John Oliver observes that while this year’s gay marriage ruling was a milestone, LGBT discrimination is surprisingly legal. I thought that most hurdles for LGBT couples had been cleared with the passing of the marriage law. I was so naive…But no more naive than the nice gay couple who were refused service at Big Earl’s eatery in Texas; featuring live bait, RV park, restaurant and buffet. Are you cringing yet? The waitress ( a “lady”) informed them; “We don’t serve f*gs here.” In thirty one states, a couple can be married, but being denied live bait is the least of their worries. Discrimination is still legal in the workplace, by healthcare providers, in housing and by cake bakers and candlestick makers.
In states where there is a law banning discrimination based upon sexual orientation, things are better. For instance, Jack Phillips, the “deeply religious” Colorado cake artiste, lost a court case for denying service to a gay couple in 2012. Phillips said baking a cake for the couple was against his religious concept of marriage. He did bake the cake for an adorable little dog wedding. He further justified refusing the human couple, saying:”I feel a little part of me goes to the reception.” We report, you decide which part.
John explains why we need a federal anti-discrimination law. The Equality Act H.R. 3185 would eliminate all discrimination in one fell swoop. There is a lot of interest among lawmakers, but not one single Republican is on board. I really didn’t have to add that last bit, did I? John suggests asking candidates a better question than whether they would attend a gay wedding – which proved to be difficult to answer. The next debate would be truly interesting if a moderator simply posed this question; ‘Should gay people be discriminated against?’