Libertarian FAQ: Don't we need affirmative action to keep bigoted employers from refusing tohire minorities and women?

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This article is from the Libertarian FAQ, by Joe Dehn jwd3@dehnbase.fidonet.org, Robert Bickford rab.AT.daft.com, Mike Huben mhuben@world.std.com and Advocates for Self-Government http://www.self-gov.org/ with numerous contributions by others.

63 Libertarian FAQ: Don't we need affirmative action to keep bigoted employers from refusing tohire minorities and women?

Libertarians want to see people of all types working in the most
harmonious relationships. "Affirmative action" refers to laws which
force people into relationships whether they want them or not. Not too
many years ago, there were laws in many states which prevented people
of different races from doing a variety of things together, working,
eating, marriage, etc. Libertarians oppose all such laws because the
people involved have the right to decide for themselves whether or not
to enter a relationship or association.

An old saying states: "it takes two to tango." Relationships or
associations require at least two people. We cannot justify using
force to keep people out of voluntary relationships and we cannot
justify forcing private citizens into relationships against their
will.

Government employment is a different case. The only criteria for
employment or advancement in government work should be merit. The
Constitution requires that we all be given equal treatment under the
law. Since governments are created by law, they are Constitutionally
required to be absolutely even handed. Private citizens or companies
on the other hand have the right to be stupid and suffer the
consequences.

Attempts to correct bigotry with affirmative action haven't worked
very well. Such laws are easy for bigots to circumvent and people tend
to think minority employees did not earn their positions on merit even
if they did. They also make it possible for bigots to harass
minorities by demanding employment at minority owned businesses. [2]

[2] Bergland, David, "America's Libertarian Heritage: The Politics of
Freedom," Orpheus Publications, 1773 Bahama Place, Costa Mesa, CA
92626, (714)751-8980, 1991.