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Law’s Bryan Adamson explains when businesses can refuse service based on political views

Media | October 25, 2026 | Story by: Editorial Staff

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Cleveland Plain Dealer: Bryan Adamson, the David L. Brennan Chair Professor of Law, explained that private businesses can generally refuse services based on political views without violating discrimination laws. He noted that Ohio’s public accommodation laws protect characteristics such as race and sex, but not political beliefs, and that First Amendment protections generally do not apply to private businesses.

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