Charlotte Business Owners Speak Out For, Against ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill

WCCB Charlotte,

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CHARLOTTE, NC – Major backlash on Monday over ‘Religious Freedom’ legislation circulating in several states, including in North Carolina.
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Governor Pat McCrory spoke out against the proposed legislation, which would allow businesses to deny service based on religious beliefs.Β 
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Governor Pat McCrory criticized the legislation on Charlotte Talks with Mike Collins on WFAE Radio.
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“I think some of the items in the so-called Religious Freedom Bill also make no sense and I’ve stated that for the record,” said McCrory.
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McCrory is speaking out against a bill that would allow businesses to deny service based on religious preferences.
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McCrory says he will not sign the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, as it is written.
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Former Charlotte City Council member and business owner, Billy Maddalon, agrees with the governor and says the bill is “un-American.”
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“For the legislature to be engaged in that kind of craziness just strikes me as a waste of time and money,” said Maddalon.
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The bill is sponsored by State Representatives Dan Bishop and Jacqueline Michelle Schaffer–both Republicans representing Mecklenburg County.
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If signed into the law, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act would allow businesses or organizations to deny service and turn people away in the name of religious freedom.
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“What is the problem they’re trying to solve? I haven’t see it up to this point in time,” said McCrory.
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Opponents say the bill opens the door to discrimination.Β 
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The Benham brothers, who own a Charlotte-based real estate company, disagree.Β 
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“There should never be discrimination against an individual, but when someone comes to you with an idea, or a message, or event or behavior that’s against your deeply held religious convictions, you have the right in America to say ‘no’ I can’t support that or endorse it,” said David Benham.
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The fallout continues over Indiana’s new religious freedom law.
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“Fix this law. Either repeal it or pass a law that protects all who live work and visit Indiana. Do so immediately,” said Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.Β 
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In Arkansas, protesters are demanding the governor veto a similar bill.
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In North Carolina, both sides have their eyes on state legislators.
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“The governor can say one thing, but the people of the state can say another so we have to continue to push this forward,” said Benham.
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“The governor hasn’t always proven to be on the same page as his legislators, so it’s not a guarantee the legislature won’t pass it,” said Maddalon.
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WCCB Charlotte reporter, Audrina Bigos, called and e-mailed both of the state representatives who sponsored the bill in North Carolina. Neither Bishop or Schaffer has returned e-mails or phone calls.

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