Quote:
Originally Posted by VilleN
My point is, why should have to support a lifestyle that he doesn't agree with? Is he not allowed to hold beliefs like that? I understand homosexuality is not a choice. I understand they are marginalized. However, my fundamental belief is in personal freedom. James Reimer is not forcing his views on anyone. The NHL is doing that to him. He should not be forced to do/support something he disagrees with. This should be an obvious stance in a free country.
I shouldn't need to say this, but I will: Speech/beliefs that calls for violence towards another group is not acceptable and deserves no protection.
I think it was Voltaire who said "I may not agree with what you say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it".
At the end of the day just because you think Reimer should have to support LGBTQ+ by wearing a special jersey should be irrelevant. The only thing that is relevant is what James Reimer feels comfortable supporting as he is an individual living in a free society.
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OK, but where was his freedom limited? He was not forced to support a lifestyle he didn't support because he wasn't forced to wear the jersey. He continues to be employed by the Sharks and can play in the NHL. He did not face any violence. He wasn't locked up or told he can't speak about the issue.
What happened, is he did get blasted for it on the internet because while he's free to not participate and put out his statement, we're all free to say that he's a bigot.