A few weeks back, I had a good lengthy discussion on here about the measure of rights private religious institutions have in denying gay marriage. The discussion was good and productive, but ultimately left both sides unconvinced of the other's opinion.

Now, there's certainly no problem with that, but I think that discussion greatly pertains to an issue I recently came across.

It involves an employee at a catholic school being let go for marrying her lesbian partner.

I understand that a religious institution is entitled to its beliefs, but I question the extent to which it is allowed to exercise that entitlement.

No one would question that it's of questionable legality for a business or even a public school to fire someone over their sexual preference or marital affairs. So why this emphasis on religious right in this instance?

I'd like to hear people's opinions on this issue if you have the time.