The hatred of diverse views
CBC reports:
A same-sex couple from St. John’s is upset after discovering the jewelry store that sold them their engagement rings has posted a sign that seems to oppose same-sex marriage — but one of the store’s owners says he’s allowed to post his religious beliefs.
Personally I think it is silly for a business to limit its business by stating their political views on who should be able to marry. But that’s their decision to make.
The couple went to the store the following day, and asked about the sign.
“They just said that that’s their beliefs, and they think they can put up whatever they want. I just said it was very disrespectful, it’s very unprofessional and I wanted a refund,” White said.
“I have no issues with them believing in what they believe in. I think everyone’s entitled to their own opinion. But I don’t think they should put their personal beliefs inside their business.”
But that’s their choice – it is their business.
Jardon said he’s an immigrant, and feels blessed to live in Canada.
“One of the reasons my family chose to come to Canada was the freedom of rights,” he said, noting the freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
“Nothing in that shop or in these posters is against the law… There’s nothing there that means to discriminate or to hate anybody else.”
Jardon said he won’t apologize for his beliefs.
“I feel really bad that [White] feels that we would in any way try to hurt or discriminate against her, but we will not retract from what we believe. I cannot say, ‘Well because you feel bad, I will stop believing what I believe,'” he said.
“When I walk on Church Street in Toronto, where I am right now, and I see [LGBT rainbow flags], and I see a lot of signs and a lot of things on public property, I don’t have a problem with them. I accept it. I chose to come to Canada… and we accept the whole package… I don’t discriminate against that, nor do I come and tell them to take them down. For the same reason, I ask to have the same respect in return, especially when it’s in my own business.”
Sounds reasonable.
Jardon said he’s getting a big backlash from social media.
“I had to shut down the Facebook page because of so many hate emails and phone calls and just, really nasty stuff,” he said.
Some people are threatened by diverse opinions.