Posted by Max [Divergent] on April 01, 1999 at 00:03:36 {feW1wc1uNQIpZxUu8FDQZqoqlTI9aA}:
I live in a tolerant, capitalist, multi-cultural, liberal, secular and democratic society (Australia) that legislates to protect the economic interest of some religionists ('Christendom') but not others.
Tomorrow (Good Friday) Catholic Mary and Mick who usually sell liquor, show R-rated movies (18+) or run a betting service can take the day off without paying economic consequences. If Moslem Mohamed or atheist Allison competed at providing those services on Good Friday, they'd be committing a criminal offence under state law.
Conversely, when Mohamed, Allison or JW Jack & Jane close or limit their business for their religious observances, or to go to the football or the beach or whatever, Mary and Mick are free to take economic advantage. That's unfair.
I say, Let Mary and Mick pay the economic cost of their choices like everyone else and allow the free market decide the cost and value of religion, just like it does football and the beach (or whatever's popular where you are).
What do you think? Is religion a commodity, or something that should be enshrined in law, even in secular, capitalist states?
Max