Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Monday, March 30, 2015
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Hundreds of people gathered outside the Indiana Statehouse to rally against the state’s new law that opponents say could sanction discrimination against gay people.
WTHR reports that Republican Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill Thursday prohibiting state laws that "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The definition of "person" includes religious institutions, businesses and associations.
"Pence says this isn't about discrimination," one protester said from the podium Saturday. "You know what we say? Prove it! Fix the bill."
The law's supporters say it will keep the government from compelling people to provide services they find objectionable on religious grounds. Opponents Saturday, including State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) say it may not directly sanction discrimination, but it does allow it.
"No, what it does is it creates a road map, a path to get us to discrimination," said Rep. DeLaney.
And the only way to choose a different road, according to protesters, is to change who represents them. Saturday's crowd chanted "Pence must go" and held signs reading "I'm pretty sure God doesn't hate anyone" and "No hate in our state."
Governor Pence signed the bill into law in a private ceremony last week. He says he sat in on hearings about the bill and consulted with legal scholars before showing his support.
Those gathered said they are ready to take the fight to the polls. In fact, there were several people Saturday helping people register to vote right there at the rally.
Later that evening, Gov. Pence issued a statement calling for clarification of the law's intent. "I support religious liberty and I support this law but we are in discussions with legislative leaders this weekend to see if there's a way to clarify the intent of the law."
Soon after, Katie Blair, campaign manager for Freedom Indiana - one of the main groups that fought against Indiana's proposed constitutional amendment on marriage last year - issued a statement in response:
"Governor Pence didn't listen last week when he signed this discriminatory law into effect, and he's still not listening to the growing chorus of criticism locally and nationally. While we appreciate his recognition that he's placed our state in peril, he's obviously trying to have it both ways.
"You can't 'clarify' discrimination. Indiana now has billions of dollars and thousands of jobs on the line, all because the Governor wouldn't stop this dangerous bill. He has a second chance to save our reputation for Hoosier hospitality, but he has to stand up and protect LGBT Hoosiers.
"Discrimination is not a core Hoosier value, and we can't afford to let our state continue to suffer. Please, Governor, listen to the voices of common sense and reason trying to get through to you. Fix the bill to protect all Hoosiers, and make it clear our state is open for business again."
That sentiment was echoed by democratic lawmakers. Senate Democratic leader Tim Lanae (D-Anderson) released a statement saying:
"I'm grateful the governor has recognized a need to reevaluate his decision to sign Senate Bill 101.
"He's come to realize what business leaders and everyday Hoosiers from across our state knew all along: this divisive act has no place in Indiana.
"Legislative 'tweaks' are not enough.
"To restore trust and show Hoosiers and Americans that all are welcome here, this hateful law has to go. Only a full repeal will serve that aim.
"Democrats will vigorously pursue all legislative options to that end.
"Only then can we work to restore the credibility that the governor and republican allies have so flagrantly tarnished."
Nineteen other states already have similar laws on the books and another 16 are currently debating similar legislation, all patterned after a federal act signed into law in the 1990s by then-President Bill Clinton.
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.