Author
Lucien Dhooge, Georgia Institute of Technology
Research Question Addressed
Should there be a religious exemption for secular businesses from public accommodation statutes that protect prospective patrons from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation?
Primary Findings
The research concludes the perceived threat to religious liberty by public accommodation statutes prohibiting discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community is exaggerated. In addition, the consequences of granting exemptions would be harmful to members of the LGBTQ+ community. State-sanctioned discrimination is contrary to the fundamental principles of justice and equality underlying the U.S. legal system.