Hi,

On March 15 I went into a Pawn Shop to purchase a Firearm and was denied the sale because of my race & religion.

Question

On March 15, I went into a local Pinellas County Pawn Shop and was denied my 2nd amendment right to purchase a firearm because my Concealed Weapons License stated that I was White. The Pawn Shop salesman stated that I "Looked black to him" and "There's a black guy standing in front of him claiming he's white". I felt very disrespected and communicated that in my culture & religion to call one black is a derogatory term and HIGHLY offensive. I proceeded to show him the Census.gov website, showing that our Race has nothing to do with our skin color, and is about our origins. White is defined as: 
 
“White. A person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa. It includes people who indicate their race as "White" or report entries such as Irish, German, Italian, Lebanese, Arab, Moroccan, or Caucasian.” – via US Census Bureau  
 
I felt he was bigoted, offensive, & should be sued. I caught the entire interaction on video, & have 3 witnesses.

Stephen Arnold Black · Answer

You may have a case. More facts would be needed. Of course if the employee denied you service on the basis that your identification did not match your picture on the concealed weapons permit then they may have a non discriminatory reason for denying you service. More facts are needed. Discuss with counsel here in Florida.

Terrence H Thorgaard · Answer

I have agreed with the previous answer, but I'm curious: you indicate that "...  in [your] culture & religion to call one black is a derogatory term ...".  What culture and religion is that?

Q: Hi, On March 15 I went into a Pawn Shop to purchase a Firearm and was denied the sale because of my race & religion.