In a tumultuous week that included Big Business flexing its political muscles, lawmakers in Indiana and Arkansas walked a tightrope seeking balance between two core American values: religious freedom and protection from discrimination.

The governors of Indiana and Arkansas signed revised versions of their religious freedom laws, hoping to quiet critics who said the measures could allow discrimination.

Here is a guide for those seeking to navigate the legal thicket.

What is at stake?

In its starkest terms, the battle was between those who said they want to protect the practice of religion and those who feared that the laws could lead to discrimination against gays and lesbians. Freedom of religion is enshrined in the U.S. and state constitutions. An abhorrence of discrimination is part of the American culture, but when it comes to gays and lesbians is less securely tied to law.

Why are they in conflict now?

Both Indiana and Arkansas, conservative Republican states, passed versions of Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, laws designed to give peoplesome legal standing if they decide their religious beliefs prevent them from delivering goods and services to potential customers.

Some Christian merchants, notably florists and bakers, have said they did not want to provide services for same-sex marriages because their religious beliefs do not condone such nuptials.

Proponents argued that the law was needed to protect religious choice, but critics said the laws would be used to discriminate against gays and lesbians.

Is this the first time this type of conflict has taken place?

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So just what are religious freedom laws designed to protect?