Imagine, if you can, a local video production company, with its business logo on the company vehicle, hurrying to a God-glorifying video shoot across town ("We're acting pre-emptively to protect our rights," Dec. 8).

As the gas gauge drops to empty and the vehicle sputters, the driver coasts on fumes into the nearest gas station. Inside, the owners recognize the logo, shut off the gas pump and refuse to sell gas to individuals who do not agree with their religious beliefs, which celebrate marriage equality.

"But your business exists to sell gas," implore the now very late film crew.

"Try the station across the street; they may agree with your personal beliefs."

As the frustrated crew exits the gas station, a car smashes their vehicle broadside and a videographer is ejected onto the cold pavement. As EMTs arrive on the scene to render aid, one recognizes the body lying in the street as the business owner who refused to provide him and his same-sex spouse their wedding video just weeks before. He closes the lid of the lifesaving medical kit and refuses to fulfill his job description, because he disagrees with the personal beliefs of the fellow citizen in need.

"Try 911 again and ask for staff that honor God with your specific religious beliefs. I'm sure there are many."

"But this is the job you do, the business you provide," screams the spouse of the injured loved one.

"That may be, but I want to 'live and work' according to my conscience. Good luck!"

Or … the Amish furniture builder who refuses to sell desks to the electrical engineering company because their personal religious beliefs require homes without electricity.

Or … the owner of a restaurant who is a Quaker refusing to serve a Marine home on leave from a forward position in Afghanistan because his religion is opposed to all war.

This is not a slippery slope; this is drop-in helicopter skiing.

Todd Embury lives in Ramsey.