“I’m not sure how this can be a free speech issue being that these are private companies. Just like a bakery should not have to bake a cake for a gay couple. I myself refuse to have anything to do with Facebook.”
Exactly.
Websites that are not owned by the government are not controlled by the government.
Where have you heard that before? (F.W Wolworth's c. 1960). See Civil Rights in Public Accommodations and Facilities: Law and History
Facebook and Twitter are private yet every bit as much a public accommodation as is FW Woolworth's lunch counter.
Think 14th Amendment and the equal protection clause.
Facebook and Twitter could easily be in violation of the Civil Rights Act, as well.
FReegards!
The Constitution doesn’t say that private companies are exempt from abiding with the law of the land. All of our rights are Good given, and nobody has the right to try and take them from you. The fact is, we all have additional rights that the bill of rights even enumerates.
Just because I walk I to somebody’s building doesn’t mean I leave my constitutional protections at the door.
Private entities are required by federal law to make parking spaces,widedoors,and restrooms available for the handicapped. Private businesses are required by federal law not to discriminate ate against XYZ ..
Colleges which are often State owned can’t tell you what you can say, not say, believe, write or express in artistic form because you are an adult and have the right to decide these things for yourself.
The businesses portraying themselves as open to the public and may not censure adults.
The cakebaker was an artist and business owner and hecamtbe forced to relinquish his rights, but a public discussion forum owner doesn’t loose his rights when others share a different opinion. The board owner can easily put a disclaimer stating that the expressed opinions belong to the author of said opinions, and may not necessarily the opinion of the business.
If these aboard owners want a closed board, then that’s what they should be. The function as public forums and should accommodate the public. Notkust parts of it.
And I totally disagree that porn constitutes first amendment rights.
“Websites that are not owned by the government are not controlled by the government.”
And restaurants that are not owned by government are not controlled by government. That’s why public accommodation laws passed by congress are ignored by restaurants. Isn’t that right, troll?