Decius wrote:

] First off, and I'm not really very familiar with the law in
] this area, but I don't think private companies have a "right
] to refuse service." For example, I'm fairly certain that its
] illegal to put a big sign in front of your store that says
] "Whites Only." There are certain things that buinesses can
] refuse service for (proper dress, behavior), but this isn't a
] right like freedom of speech is a right. Its a legislated
] issue. You can refuse service in certain contexts. I don't
] know exactly what those contexts are. In some cases (such as
] the American's with Disabilities Act) you are forced to
] provide service.

Actually, two things here. "Whites Only" would be institutionalizing discrimination - stating that if you are not visibly caucasian (yes, Michael Jackson could possibly get in...) - then you can not get service, and that is illegal. It is against the law for a public company (private "clubs" are an exception, such as those male only dinner/cigar/brandy clubs or even Augusta National Golf Course/Club) to discriminate based upon race, gender, religion, physical ability or sexual orientation (in some states). By requiring an ID, they are not discriminating against a class of society, they are refusing service to an individual. The ADA does not require that every business provide service to every person with a disability, they require that those with disabilities have the same access to service as those without. This means that if someone in a wheelchair were to refuse to show an ID, they could be refused service just as easily as any other person.

Private businesses are, thankfully, still allowed to refuse service to any individual as long as it's not discrimination. I'd hate to be in the position of having the government force me to serve a belligerent and drunk gay latino jew in a wheelchair. The operative words there being "belligerent and drunk," but strung along with the others to show which part actually matters.

Dolemite

RE: How to fly without ID!