Indiana Republicans promise to clarify religious freedom law

[mystery-ak]

http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/237361-ind-republicans-vow-to-clarify-religious-freedom-law

March 30, 2015, 11:49 am
Indiana Republicans promise to clarify religious freedom law
By David McCabe

Republican legislators in Indiana said Monday that they would work to clarify a religious freedom law that opponents say would allow businesses to discriminate against gay customers.

The GOP lawmakes insisted that their intent was not for the law to be used to discriminate against gay people, and suggested language could be added to the measure to clarify its intentions.

"Religious freedom and the right to be free from discrimination can coexist together," said State Senate President Pro Tem David Long, according to RTV9. "They have for many years in this country and that's what we should all strive for."
The measure signed into law last week by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) has created a firestorm for the state, which is being threatened with boycotts by businesses. Indiana-based Angie's List said that it would not expand its headquarters in the state because of its concerns.

Connecticut's governor on Monday said he would ban state-funded travel to Indiana over the issue.

The controversy comes as Indianapolis is readying to host the NCAA men's basketball championship this weekend.

There is now the prospect of protests outside the Final Four games, and the NCAA has said it is worried about how the law might affect student-athletes.

Democrats in Indiana said they were not convinced the GOP move would be enough.

They called on Republicans to repeal the law and enact a statewide non-discrimination ordinance protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The Republicans said that a non-discrimination law would be too complicated a policy issue to tackle in the remaining weeks of the legislative session.

They also defended the original law, saying that their intent was not to discriminate and alleging that the bill has been misinterpreted by opponents.

"What we had hoped for was a message of inclusion," said House Speaker Brian Bosma (R). He and other lawmakers did not specify exactly what language might be added to the bill.

The new law allows business owners to refuse to do something when it places a "substantial burden” on their religious beliefs.

It was met with quick denunciation from the business and political communities, with several tech companies expressing apprehensions.

Pence appeared on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" on Sunday and would not say whether the law would allow for a florist in Indiana to refuse service to a gay couple that was getting married.

The governor strongly defended the law, saying Indiana is just the latest state to adopt a version of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that President Clinton signed in 1993.

“This is about protecting the religious liberty of people of faith and families of faith across this country, that's what it's been for more than 20 years,” Pence said.

Pence said he would not pursue a statewide civil rights bill protecting LGBT people.

— Updated at 12:53 p.m

[musiclady]

Once again the left, on the wrong side of truth, forces the right to 'clarify' what is actually a freedom in the First Amendment.

We are always on defense because the left has no decency or honor, and follows no rules.

This makes me sick.

[olde north church]

Once again the left, on the wrong side of truth, forces the right to 'clarify' what is actually a freedom in the First Amendment.

We are always on defense because the left has no decency or honor, and follows no rules.

This makes me sick.

And no one in the Republican Party has the balls to ask "What part of SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED do you not understand?".

[musiclady]

And no one in the Republican Party has the balls to ask "What part of SHALL NOT BE INFRINGED do you not understand?".

Well, Mike Pence did a pretty good job of doing that in his interview with/interrogation by George Stephanopoulos.

[truth_seeker]

This cannot be recorded as one of the most brilliant political moves at all.

In the real world, how many people are involved? Is this worth it, politically?

[musiclady]

This cannot be recorded as one of the most brilliant political moves at all.

In the real world, how many people are involved? Is this worth it, politically?

Is standing for the Constitution and the First Amendment, and the basic right to religious liberty "worth it politically?"

That's what we're talking about here, t_s.  Fundamental religious freedom guaranteed to us by our Bill of Rights.

As far as I'm concerned, that's always worth defending.  Always.

[sinkspur]

This cannot be recorded as one of the most brilliant political moves at all.

In the real world, how many people are involved? Is this worth it, politically?

There are 19 state laws and a federal law, signed by Bill Clinton in 1993, that are IDENTICAL to this law.

This is nothing more than political opportunism and bullying by the LGBT community.  Have no doubt: once gay marriage is made legal by the Supreme Court, they will be coming after the Churches next.

[musiclady]

There are 19 state laws and a federal law, signed by Bill Clinton in 1993, that are IDENTICAL to this law.

This is nothing more than political opportunism and bullying by the LGBT community.  Have no doubt: once gay marriage is made legal by the Supreme Court, they will be coming after the Churches next.

LGBT thugs who are beating up on Indiana should be reminded that it was indeed Bill Clinton who signed the federal law, and that it was created to allow Native Americans to use peyote in worship.

Nonetheless, the principle is the same for both (bet Billy isn't liking this a bit). 

[jmyrlefuller]

LGBT thugs who are beating up on Indiana should be reminded that it was indeed Bill Clinton who signed the federal law, and that it was created to allow Native Americans to use peyote in worship.

Nonetheless, the principle is the same for both (bet Billy isn't liking this a bit).

Plus, it's been held up recently in the supreme court and was used as the cornerstone of the Hobby Lobby defense. This law passes muster.

[musiclady]

Plus, it's been held up recently in the supreme court and was used as the cornerstone of the Hobby Lobby defense. This law passes muster.

But it doesn't keep the LGBTYMCA gestapo from trying to make political hay out of it.

[Cyber Liberty]

But it doesn't keep the LGBTYMCA gestapo from trying to make political hay out of it.

No it doesn't, which is why political maneuvers such as this by "Indiana Republicans" are so unhelpful.  This just validates the gays' extra-legal view of things.  Pence is on the right track:  Sign then defend the law on the grounds it's tried, true and already the law of the land in many states.