Final answer:
No, businesses open to the public cannot refuse service based on religious beliefs as per the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The law aims to balance religious freedom with the right to equal treatment and non-discrimination. Courts have maintained this stance, especially in cases where religious freedom was cited to justify prejudice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can You Refuse Service on the Basis of Religion?
Under the Civil Rights Act of 1964, it is prohibited for businesses that are open to the public to engage in discrimination on the basis of religion. This includes the refusal of service to patrons due to the owner's personal religious beliefs. Since its enactment, courts have upheld the act against arguments for religious freedom that sought to justify discriminatory practices, such as those based on White supremacist beliefs.
While laws generally protect people's right to practice their religion, when such practices conflict with other constitutional protections, such as equal treatment and non-discrimination, the law typically favors the principle of equality. Religious discrimination is also barred in workplace settings by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which means employers cannot segregate job roles based on either actual or perceived customer preference towards an employee's religious identity.
Complexities arise in scenarios where personal religious beliefs lead to actions that could discriminate against others, as seen in recent legal battles over healthcare and same-sex marriage rights. It is critical to understand that the right to religious freedom does not automatically provide the right to infringe upon the civil rights of others.