I agree, and as an individual I also have to right to not hire tobacco smokers, beer drinkers, Christians, people with children ...
I’m not sure how those factors determine job safety, but, I would actually agree with you.
The reason I make the point, is that while someone is working for me, I am legally responsible for the safety of that person, those around them, and damages that they may incur.
With that in mind, I do my best to hire non-users and those who don’t show signs of heavy drinking. This may sound unfair to you, but until our legal system is changed from nannyism, it is a fact. Until the lawyers hold individuals responsible, instead of business owners, then this is the way it must be.
But, I agree with you, I should have the right to not hire whoever I damn well feel I shouldn’t hire. Let the market decide. Heck if Muslims make the best butchers in the world, then they should have no trouble getting a job. But, if for some reason, they refuse to handle... say pork... that should be reason enough to not hire them. Sadly, that sort of logic doesn’t apply in this country.
It is even to the point that Church’s are being forced to hire atheists and the like. Any business should be able to hire whoever they want, and dismiss whoever they want (so long as they are legally able to work). Good hiring and firing practices will help or hinder success, and maybe make America more productive.