Freedom of Religion Follow-up

Recently I wrote about the many ways freedom of religion is an important issue these days. One of the areas I touched on was Christians and gay weddings. I recently read of a case where the owners of a B&B refused to host a gay wedding. Now the state has fined them $80,000.
Cases like this represent a conflict in people’s rights. I do sympathize with these Christian business owners but don’t believe that gives them the right to discriminate against gays. Undoubtedly they provide services to straight couples who have committed adultery or other acts that violate their religious creed. If they were forced to participate in the wedding or create a blasphemous cake, that’s a different matter.
Even if I believe they are in the wrong, I don’t believe it gives the government or anyone else the right to try to destroy their livelihood or worse. An $80,000 fine is ludicrous. Even worse is the couple that had to close their business and go into hiding because of death threats.
Many on the left will go to ridiculous extremes in the name of political correctness. Yet the vilest attack is deemed to be perfectly acceptable if aimed at those with whom they disagree. Even threats of violence will fail to get a rebuke.
It’s time for everyone to lower their voices and show some respect to those that don’t share their opinions.