Can laws protect against all discrimination?

The proliferation of "religious freedom" bills across our nation is causing much consternation for lawmakers and citizens alike.

A tremendous backlash is causing governors and legislators in Indiana and Arkansas to rethink how such legislation can be worded to protect gays and lesbians. If language would be changed to protect these individuals, what about other classes of persons still vulnerable to discrimination?

Who knows what actual or perceived characteristic will be the target of the next act of exclusion? What of people with red hair or who are obese? What about anorexics? What about those who are left-handed? We all know the arbitrariness of bullying. Religious justification for such discrimination in the name of "freedom" can be just as random.

There is no way that all persons vulnerable to such discrimination can be protected. As a side note, I have yet to see a list of the egregious practices against religious freedom that need to be corrected by this legislation.

Lastly, I understand how some victims of prejudice are identified. However, just how does a shopkeeper bent on discrimination know when a potential customer is gay?

Karen Wagner

Rolling Meadows