@12: That's a good observation. The Americans with Disabilities Act, for one, came into being in 1992. It's got a lot of vague language even before one considers how little anyone was thinking about Internet "storefronts" at the time. Whether or not it covers virtual spaces under its requirement that public accomodations be made accessible is a question left to judges until precedent has been set; and, unfortunately in this category of complaint as with many others pursuant to the ADA, judges have tended to go with narrow interpretations that find for defendants.

I think California has some consumer protection that specifically covers accessibility of online businesses; anyone know more about this?