Can a newspaper use religious discrimination?

[necessary evil]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? FL

Can a mainstream daily newspaper legally discriminate against it's advertisers based on religious preference?

The spiritual supply store I work for was denied the ability for advertising in the county's daily paper due to the fact that they "aren't just Christian".

The store is a book store / gift shop for all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Wicca, etc. The ad was supposed to be for our street fair this month and advertising a newly opened wellness center, none of which was religion specific in any way. The lady stated that their bylaws provided that they do not publish any events that aren't Christian.

 

[quincy]

Yes, the daily newspaper can legally refuse to accept your ad.

Newspapers are privately owned. What goes into a newspaper, and what stays out of a newspaper, is a decision the owner of the newspaper makes. The editors have editorial control over the content. This control not only includes what articles and features will appear, but also includes what reader letters will be published and what advertising will be accepted. That is all part of a "free press."

You should find somewhere in your county's paper a little blurb saying something along the lines of the newspaper reserving the right to edit, limit, restrict, reject or refuse content.

You can check out Miami Herald Publishing Company v Tornillo, 418 US 241, which details the rights of newspapers to choose the material that goes into their paper.

 

[Alex23]

Find a wiccan newspaper to advertise in. That shouldn't be too difficult.