Should Muslim cab drivers be allowed to refuse service based on their religious views?

Question

"MINNEAPOLIS - Officials at Minneapolis-St. Paul International airport are proposing stiffer penalties — including suspension of an airport taxi license — to Muslim cab drivers who refuse service to passengers toting alcohol or service dogs." http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/muslim_cabbies_alcohol

Heres the issue: Whether Muslim cabbies should be allowed to impose their religious sensiblities on other people.

Notice, the issue deals with the conduct of OTHERS. Muslims are not themslves refusing to drink beers or own dogs. Instead, Muslims working in service related fields, that service the general public, are imposing their religious views on others.

Whats even more insane, is the fact that generally speaking, we appluad people who chose to take taxi cabs when they drink. It is to the benefit of society that we ENCOURAGE this choice.

Isnt this just another example of reality that, Islam, in its many faces, creates an intolerant people who try to IMPOSE their beliefs on others?

Answer 1

No if they are working in that roll they must tak any one who can pay.

Answer 2

As I understand it, cab drivers are largely independent contractors.

If they are, they have every right to refuse anyone they choose. They can decide to not take you because they don't like the way you look, or because they don't want to drive into the neighborhood you want them to take you to, also.

Should we now start making businesses that have signs in the window saying 'No Shirt, No shoes, No Service" give service to people who walk in in cutoff shorts with no shoes?

What if their restriction on service were religiously motivated? Say the place is owned by Mennonites?

Would that make a difference to your opinion?

What if it were only Muslim shopkeepers who had that sign, would it make a difference to your opinion?

Cab drivers don't have a professional a code of ethics in the way that pharmacists do. Pharmacists are *required* to fill any legitimate prescription from a doctor. Cab drivers don't have to pick up anyone they don't want to - if they are willing to make less money, what do I care? There will be other cabbies happy to pick up the fare.

Further, the article linked to doesn't say that these cabies won't pick up someone drunk - just someone CARRYING alcohol. Where it can be seen.

Mind you, I don't really have a problem with the city deciding to put some restrictions on their licensing process.

They can certainly do that.

What I'm taking issue with is the idea that this is actually imposing something on others. When observant Jews who own a deli won't make you a pork sandwich, is that imposing their beliefs on you?

Answer 3

Don't know why they think they should be able to do that. Let us live our own lives. I applause people that know they are to drunk to drive and choose to take a taxi instead. I'm not for drunkenness, but it is an intelligent chose. As far as service dogs, this is an addition to someones life and are needed to get around.

Answer 4

People are always saying "Christians ram their religion down our throats"... Here's a perfect example of another religion doing the same thing.

Religion should have nothing to do with getting a taxi.

They live in America now. They should be more tolerant and open minded of other people.

Answer 5

No, they should not have the right to do that, just as religious pharmacists should not have the right to deny people access to medication just because they disagree with it. When you occupy a certain position our society be it cab driver, pharmacist, or whatever else, you shouldn't have the right to impose your religious beliefs on others. People depend on cab drivers to help them with their safety, especially when they're not fit to drive themselves, or need the assistance of service animals.

If your religious beliefs are going to interfere with your ability to do your job, you need to find another line of work.

Answer 6

As horrible as it is, it is the same way with Christians.

People lose their jobs, lose their children, lose their family, lose everything because they choose a different religion. This happens especially to Wiccans. Look up The Burning Times, an organization dedicated to stopping intolerance toward Neopagans.

But this is not just a new thing with Christians. This has happened all throughout history.

Answer 7

No they should not. This creates a slippery slope whereas many other religious people can refuse services to people based on their own principles. They have a right to be fired and have someone take their place.

Answer 8

Why not? Doctors can refuse to give an abortion and pharmacist can refuse to dispense birth control based on their fantasy beliefs, so why not cabies.

Answer 9

don't judge Islam cuz of some Muslims actions
as i don't judge Americans cuz of some of their soldiers ` barbaric action in hadith massacres, abo grib , Guantanamo ............. do i have to go on

( fools only generalize and you choosed to generalize )