Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) today signed a revised version of the “religious freedom” law.
“Over the past week this law has become a subject of great misunderstanding and controversy across our state and nation,” said Pence in a statement Thursday evening. “However we got here, we are where we are, and it is important that our state take action to address the concerns that have been raised and move forward.”
According to a report in The Huffington Post, Indiana’s original Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which Pence signed last week, would allow any individual or corporation to cite religious beliefs as a defense when sued by a private party. But the law was written so broadly that many businesses and LGBT advocates worried it would open the door to widespread discrimination.
Pence maintained that the law did not allow discrimination against anyone, although he said he would back changes to the legislation to clear up any “mischaracterization.” The General Assembly passed the new version of RFRA Thursday afternoon.
The revised law explicitly bars a business from denying services to someone on the basis of categories that include sexual orientation and gender identity.
“The changes proposed by the Legislature represent a step in the right direction that takes us closer to achieving our goal of passing the Fairness for All Hoosiers Act,” said Freedom Indiana Campaign Manager Katie Blair, referring to a proposed measure would protect LGBT people from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. “Today, the harm has been lessened, but we have not reached the day when LGBT Hoosiers can be assured that they can live their lives with freedom from discrimination.”
