Indiana
We all know about the giant controversy surrounding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana and we all have strong feelings about it one way or another, but have you actually read the law? Have you taken the time to research what it actually is instead of just taking what you read on Twitter or hear in the hallway for absolute truth? The law is in no way intended to promote discrimination or take away anyone’s rights. “This law was never intended, as some have mischaracterized it, to create the impression that businesses have the right to turn away customers on the basis of sexual orientation or any other reason” said Governor of Indiana Mike Pence.
Like many other states Indiana was merely trying to promote religious freedom so that individuals and businesses did not have to do something that goes against their religious beliefs. The issue arose because the states with similar laws promoting religious freedoms already had anti-discrimination laws in place before hand whereas Indiana did not. Indiana not having an anti-discrimination law allowed for a loop hole to be found where business could technically deny service based on gender, race or sexual orientation. In a press conference on monday March 30th it was announced that the work was quickly being done to clarify the RFRA.
House speaker Brian Bosma stated that the law was not designed or intended to promote discrimination but “to the extent that that might be the effect of the bill we’re prepared to encourage our legislative colleagues to take immediate action to clarify that in every way. What we had hoped for with the bill was a message of inclusion, inclusion of all religious beliefs.”
19 other states have similar laws all modeled after the Religious Freedom Restoration Act signed in 1993 by President Bill Clinton. An example of these laws working properly is Amish in Minnesota placing silver reflective tape on the back of their buggies while on the road instead of blinking lights because electricity goes against the religious views of the Amish. Placing the tape on the back of their buggies allows the Amish to use the road safely while not being forced to do something that is against their religion which is the intention of all of the religious freedom acts.
A public announcement was made on April 2nd from Brian Bosma and Senate President Pro Tempore David Long that the wording in the RFRA had been fixed to ensure that no person regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation could be discriminated against. This just goes to show you do not always trust what you hear. The media will go through great lengths to skew a topic and make money off of the story. Do your own research and get the facts before you begin protesting or boycotting anything.
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2015/03/27/text-indianas-religious-freedom-law/70539772/
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/indiana-religious-freedom-law-what-you-need-know-n332491
