Right, discrimination can lead the discriminatory to patronize a business. Your point?

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02/26/2013

by Jeremy Hooper

I'm always astounded to see anti-equality groups tout headlines like this one:

Um, okay. So?

Am I ever surprised when an anti-LGBT controversy leads to a quick influx of business? NO! Why the hell would I be? It's no secret that portions of this population of ours stand against LGBT people and our basic human rights. Trust me, nobody knows that more than me; I see it every day. So why would I be surprised to learn that an extra twenty, forty, or even two hundred like-minded people showed up to support a business that chose to discriminate against a lesbian couple?

The far-right used to confuse popularity with merit, touting favorable polling to justify their discriminatory policy pushes. Now that polling is no longer as reliable on their side, we're seeing an increase in stuff like the above. They love images of people showing up to buy chicken sandwiches or congregants giving an anti-LGBT preacher a standing ovation. They like these easy, least-you-could do images, and they tout them as if their easy achievability actually changes the facts on the ground. Newsflash: they don't.

The fact of the matter is that this Oregon bakery chose to discriminate against customers because of their sexual orientation—which is an issue not about marriage but rather about nondiscrimination. It remains to be seen whether or not the bakery will face any sort of penalty for the action. But whatever may eventually be, it will not be swayed by how many Chocolate Cream Heaven confections SweetCakes by Melissa sells over the next few months. And to be perfectly frank, I think groups like NOM do a major disservice to these folks when they convince them that the immediate celebration within their own circles will translate to lasting achievement.

**Oh, and speaking of businesses that are doing okay for themselves: