Gentlefolk,

Before this gets out of hand, the State – or at least the Federal Government, does retain the right to regulate Commerce. Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 ..: "The Congress shall have Power ...To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes."

That being said, the notion that deeply held religious and moral opinions entitles individuals to special – even exceptional – handling has been recognized for many years. One need look no further than conscientious objection to serving in the Armed Forces in times of war to be reminded of this.

So yes, wyndhy is correct – it is NOT an open and shut // slam dunk // black or white issue. Read her post carefully.

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Eudaimonia