The Religious Freedom Restoration Act has attracted a great deal of negative attention from the liberal media. Critics have called into question the intent of the law and what the law might be able to do.
Here is how USA Today summarizes the law:
"The Religious Freedom Restoration Act says the government cannot 'substantially burden' a person's ability to follow their religious beliefs, unless it can prove a compelling interest in imposing that burden or do so in the least restrictive way."
Indiana Governor Mike Pence has said the following about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act:
"If the General Assembly . . . sends me a bill that adds a section that reiterates and amplifies and clarifies what the law really is and what it has been for the last 20 years, then I'm open to that."
He went on to say:
"This is not about discrimination. This is about empowering people to confront government overreach."
Gov. Pence also called much of the opposition to the bill “shameless rhetoric,” and said that tolerance is a two-way street.
Sen. David Long addressed the press yesterday, outlining the following points for clarification:
- The Religious Freedom Restoration Act has been federal law for over 22 years
- At no time has this particular religious freedom law allowed for discrimination against anyone
- Indiana’s new religious freedom law does not discriminate against anyone
- It will be clarified through legislative action that this law does not discriminate against anyone
The Speaker of the Indiana State of Representatives expanded upon the discussion, explaining:
- It is not the design, intent, or effect of the bill to discriminate against gays and lesbians
- This bill was about religious inclusion
Businesses and organizations like Apple, Yelp, Angie’s List, and the NCAA have publicly expressed reservations with the new law.
Barack Obama voted for a similar law while he served as a Senator for Illinois, Gov. Pence told The Indiana Star.
While Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard opposes the law, he and other city officials plan to talk to businesses and convention planners in an effort to settle the uproar.
Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) and House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) explain the law in the video below.