I should have noted that this was not a religious based thrift store. It's ran by a drug rehab to raise money for their patients treatment. (the patients do not work there, and there are no volunteers there, they are all paid. Probably minimum wage for most) Anyway, I guess that is why there was no issue for the store, because they are operated by a company that has professional therapists and probably understand that there are many different kinds of people. Most religious based thrift stores that I go into I get a general sense of disapproval, although they have never came out and said anything. Although I prefer that when I go to places that provide more personal service, if they are uncomfortable working with me, I want to know up front. I'd much rather interact and spend my money with someone who is eager to provide services to me. I think this applies to hairstylists and pedicure places mostly. I compare it to the people that refuse to bake the same sex wedding cakes. If they really don't want to do it, for whatever reason, I would not want to use them. Imagine how much better looking and better tasting it will be when it is made by someone wanting the business.
I guess it really doesnt bother me for private businesses to want to deny service to me. I don't care if private businesses denied service to gays, crossdressers, blacks, muslims, whoever. I actually think it would make America better in this day and age. Instead of people in the minorities getting crappy service from ungrateful businesses, they would shop where they are welcome. And it would not take long for the businesses that turned away customers to go out of business.
