Last week, a professor of mine quoted an intriguing line to my class, “My right to swing my fists ends where another person’s jaw begins.” The line came about during a discussion that took place in one of my public relations classes in a debate on whether it was a strategic business move for the CEO of a company to express their personal stances on social issues or if was better for them to hold their tongue. The quote, more or less, means that a person can enforce their rights only so far so as not to infringe upon another person’s rights. The connection between the line and the discussion was that if a CEO wishes to publicize his or her opinion, they can, but they can only go so far. For example, Chick-fil-A’s CEO had every right to express his view against gay marriage, but he could not go as far as to ban homosexuals from Chick-fil-A establishments. His right of free speech was just that: all talk. The restaurant chain still lost business, though.

The most recent public relations crisis is a result of the new act in North Carolina which requires all people to use the public restrooms, locker rooms and showers that correspond to the biological sex listed on their birth certificate. It also denies workers within the state of North Carolina the ability to sue under a state anti-discrimination law. Individuals seeking ramification must do so at the federal level, which is more difficult because of the requirements and regulations needed to file a federal suit. There is more to the act, including a cap on minimum wage, but the part that is hitting headlines most prominently is the section that discriminates against transgender people by not allowing them to use the facility they identify with. It is this discriminatory part of the act that led PayPal to withdraw it’s plan to open a multimillion dollar operation in Charlotte, North Carolina. Apple is also taking a stand against the new legislation by emphasizing their displeasure with it.

Will these businesses lose profit by publicizing their personal beliefs? Maybe, but they are definitely gaining more respect with consumers. Personally, whether I agree with the opinion expressed or not, I respect a company that stands by what they believe in. Do I prefer if their beliefs helped equalize our society? Absolutely. But I also think respect can aid in creating a more equal society.

Respecting other people’s rights does not have to limit one’s own rights. You can swing your fist all you want, but if/when you do, have some respect and avoid other people’s jaws.