Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, February 4, 2015
(STATEHOUSE) - Faith-based organizations with state contracts would be allowed to consider religion when hiring, under a bill headed for the Indiana House.
Senators voted 39-11 for a bill allowing faith-based groups to require employees to adhere to the tenets of their religion, and to give preference to their own faith in hiring.
Markle Senator Travis Holdman says the state relies on churches and other religiously-affiliated groups to provide services from day care to job training, and argues those groups shouldn't have to leave their religion at the door to do so.
Democrats contend the bill goes beyond a federal requirement.
A bigger battle begins next week, when a Senate committee takes up two bills prohibiting government from "substantially burdening" anyone's exercise of religion. Democrats have branded the bills "right to discriminate" bills -- House Minority Leader Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City) charges some Republicans are smarting from last year's court-ordered legalization of gay marriage.
Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) says the bill safeguards individuals' right not to be punished for their religious beliefs. He points to an attempt by Houston's mayor to subpoena sermons from pastors who opposed an anti-discrimination ordinance.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.