An issue has arisen in this nation’s legal system, balancing religious freedom against discriminatory practices. The First Amendment of the United States Constitution says there shall be no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion.

News reports say that the homosexual crowd has targeted florists and bakers whose Christian faiths do not allow them to serve homosexual celebrations. Discrimination charges have been brought and fines issued. Some Christian businesses have been forced to close.

Why do the lesbians and gays insist on trying to use businesses whose owners have strong religious principles? They show no respect for the owners’ Christian biblical principles.

Since this is an unsettled area legally, it appears that they want to force the businesses to give in so that they can feel that they have not been discriminated against. I have not seen a report of them trying to find alternative business sources.

Suppose they went to a kosher Jewish deli or a Muslim market and asked for a pork tray. The deli and the market could refuse services, saying they have religious objections in handling that product.

Is that discrimination or just following religious practices? The Christian florist and baker could similarly say they don’t service homosexual-oriented events due to their religious beliefs.

In my opinion the government should not force a store to sell service to any particular group if it violates their religious tenets.

Thomas Shields, Auburn