Indiana Governer Signs Controversial "Religious Freedom" Bill

Indiana Governor Mike Pence (R) signed into state law a bill that they are calling the "Religious Freedom Act."  The move has angered many liberals who argue that the bill may have been structured in such a way as to specifically allow companies to legally discriminate again LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgendered, Queer) persons.

While the bill makes no mention of sexual orientation or gender identity, many construe the language of the bill to mean that, starting July 1st, 2015, Indiana companies with religious objections to LGBTQ lifestyles can legally refuse to serve people who identify with said lifestyles.  The Governor has made it a point to stress that the bill was not at all aimed at legalizing discrimination, but would indeed formalize into Indiana law freedom of citizens and business owners to be exempt from state regulation that would lead to, "burdening a person's exercise of religion."  This may extend from anywhere to a liquor store run by Christians not being compelled to open and sell on Sunday, to a Jehovah's Witness not being compelled to receive certain types of medical treatments [author's note].

Opponents claim that the wording of the bill was intentionally written so that establishments could refuse previously protected people service based on religious objection.  Meaning that a racist establishment owner could claim religious exemption to serving Jews, or a doctor could claim religious exemption to prescribing contraceptive birth control.  It is unclear at this time whether many persons and establishments are construing the bill in this way.  In fact, there have been a few prominent supporters who have echoed the Governor's assertion that the bill is not a license to discriminate.

There will be more to this story as the Governor travels the state to make the case that this bill, "is simply about giving the courts guidance and establishing the same standards that have existed at the federal level for more than 20 years," citing the federal Religious Freedom Act signed into law by President Bill Clinton (D) in 1993.  Expect an upcoming editorial from me in the near future.