Imagine getting a discount from a well known, nationally recognized business simply because you are atheist. Can you imagine the outcry from the believers? Yet everyday people get discounts because they go to church. In this scenario, not only did they get discounts, their church also got a donation of 10% of the final bill!
I agree with Jeff Wagg, the author who covered this in Randi.org's blog, that we must also be wary of giving into "knee-jerk militant atheism" because I hope that it would be seen equally as silly if the tables were turned and businesses began offering people discounts based on their lack of belief.
More importantly, Jeff brought up the point that it violates Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 anyway:
TITLE II--INJUNCTIVE RELIEF AGAINST DISCRIMINATION IN PLACES OF PUBLIC ACCOMMODATION
SEC. 201. (a) All persons shall be entitled to the full and equal enjoyment of the goods, services, facilities, and privileges, advantages, and accommodations of any place of public accommodation, as defined in this section, without discrimination or segregation on the ground of race, color, religion, or national origin.
I have to say though that to me this is harmless but I still agree with Jeff on the principle of the whole thing. However, the cynic in me tells me that it's nothing more than businesses capitalizing on the mass of people looking to eat a quick lunch right after their morning service. I mean, if these businesses were so religious, they wouldn't be working on the sabbath, as the good lord commanded. At least I can tip my hat to Chick-Fil-A in that respect as they're losing money by being closed on Sundays because of their adherence to scripture, so I have to give them that even if I think it's pretty fracking stoopid.
Go here to read Jeff's post in full on Randi.org
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