Refusing service because of political party.

[Angrboda]

I've seen a number of times here, and in another thread, references to protected classes.  My understanding is that some believe that it is ok to discriminate, as long as the person is not a part of this protected class.  This to me, appears little more than a technicality.  That if a person can not fit on the list, then it is ok to disrespect them, even though the reasoning, and the actions are very similar.  On the other hand, I would consider discrimination to have  a more moral underpinning. That the bigotry was wrong before there was a protected class, or a particular group was added to that list.  The "protected class" represents a larger moral principle.  How would you justify discrimination of one person, and so easily dismiss similar actions and sentiment towards another?  Or is it just a technical thing, and enforcing the law, where if you are not on the list, then it is perfectly all right to discriminate?  Many statements and actions particularly of the left lately seem hateful and hypocritical to me (although the right is not free from blame either).

I don't think it's that simple. We have a tradition of political discourse in our society which includes free speech, among other things. We want to respect a person's right to influence that discourse with speech, boycotts, voting, and other acts, but we also don't want people to be unable to live their lives simply because of who or what they are. So it's not simply a question of allowing some discrimination, but not others. There are competing interests to be served.