Indiana Governor Signs Updated Religious Freedom Bill
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Indiana has its first protections based on sexual orientation. Β They are part of a re-worked religious freedom bill signed Friday by that state’s governor.
The original bill caused national outrage. Β Businesses, groups, and sports teams threatened to boycott Indiana, saying the law would discriminate against gays. Β The re-worked version stops businesses from using the law as a defense in court for refusing customers based on things like race, religion, age sexual orientation and gender identity. Β The law is expected to take effect July 1
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has signed an amended version of his state’s religious freedom bill. Β He asked lawmakers to change the wording to make the law similar to the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Β Critics say the original version would discriminate against same-sex couples.
A religious freedom bill proposed here in North Carolina is apparently on hold because of the backlash in Arkansas and Indiana. Β It was introduced last week by state representatives Dan Bishop and Jacqueline Michelle Schaffer, both Republicans representing Mecklenburg County. Β Earlier this week, Republican Governor Pat McCrory said the bill didn’t make sense and he would not sign it if it made it to his desk.
