>By law, no potential contractor can be excluded because of their >religion (or absence of it).
But:
>If ones "moral values" include denying benefits to employees based on >gender, age, marital status, race, or sexual preference then one can >simply decline to bid on contracts let by government agencies or private >firms that require that compliance.
We are addressing behavior, and gender, age, marital status and race are not behaviors.
>An individual has a right to their own "moral beliefs" but that does not >mean that one is entitled to demand that someone else - especially a >public agency - reward them for it.
Awarding a contract is based upon objective criteria, not upon excluding them because religious dictates require the bidder <not> hire persons whose behavior the employer finds immoral.
------
On Nov 19, 2003, at 4:27 PM, WizardMarks wrote:
Well I certainly agree that one's moral beliefs should not be rewarded,but isn't that what this contract requirement does?
>WM: Uh, no, it does not. [...]
Uh, yes, it does. If a bidder doesn't agree to the extension of benefits to homosexual couples, the bidder is then excluded, and the bidder who believes in extending benefits is rewarded by winning the contract, or at least being allowed to bid.
Well then, if you are saying it's ok to discriminate against "behaviors" - and not inbred traits, then it should also be ok to discriminate on the basis of religion then - since religion is a choice - and not a biological trait.
As to whether homosexuality is genetic or environmental - or something in between, I don't think there's enough evidence to say that. But I don't think the answer to that question is relevant to whether gays should be included in discrimination laws. Marital status is not an inbred trait either.
Eva Young Near North Minneapolis [EMAIL PROTECTED] Blog is up: http://lloydletta.blogspot.com
REMINDERS:
1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait.
For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________
Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
