I think understanding the logic of the law itself makes clear the ethical considerations in play when it was drafted. The general principle is, indeed, to allow

I think understanding the logic of the law itself makes clear the ethical considerations in play when it was drafted. The general principle is, indeed, to allow businesses to make decisions about who they want to serve and how; but in view of the injustice and negative social effects springing from certain types of discrimination (particularly over race, gender, religion, and sexual orientation) the state decided to protect certain classes of people and expression from private businesses' power to decide whether to serve them.