Is it time to replay the Seinfeld ''soup Nazi" episodes on N.Y. TV stations?

That was the schtick where the soup chef shouted, "No soup for you!" to Jerry Seinfeld and sidekicks Elaine and George simply because he didn't like the way they talked or looked or their personalities.

FOLLOW:Faith & Reason blog on Twitter, Facebook

It comes to mind now because of an issue hanging over the N.Y. State Senate.

They're faced with a bill to legalize same-sex marriage that has already passed the House of Representatives. Gov. Andrew Cuomo says it includes adequate protections for religious groups opposed to gay marriage. Their clergy would not be required to perform gay weddings. They don't have to offer their congregation-owned properties as wedding venues to same-sex couples (as long as those sites are strictly for congregational use. If you're renting to the Girl Scouts or the Garden Club,it might be another matter).

But GOP senators may not bring the vote to the floor. They're concerned it doesn't offer enough legal cover for small-business owners or employees such as, say, caterers and florists. who have personal religious objections to gay marriage and want to refuse to sell services to a gay wedding.

Never mind Sunday's New York Daily News story that quotes a 2007 report by former city controller that found gay weddings "would generate $184 million for the state and $142 million for the city."

No, some senators think once a gay couple has gotten family, friends and stodgy Aunt Petunia on board and found a venue, they should have to pass a values test with the vendors, too.

No cake for you! No tiger lilies!

Somehow, I can't see it.

DO YOU THINK ... traditionalist believers should have legal protection to discriminate? Or is business just business to you?