INDIANAPOLIS - The House Judiciary Committee has passed the so-called \"religious freedom bill\" by a 9-4 vote. <\/p>\n
Protecting religious freedom was at the center of several demonstrations Monday at the Indiana Statehouse. <\/p>\n
The legislation causing the activity is Senate Bill 101 or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. It was designed to protect the freedoms of people. <\/p>\n
For example, a Christian pharmacist who objects to dispensing abortion pills, contrary to their religious beliefs, would be protected under law. <\/p>\n
However, those against the bill say it has the potential to do much more than that, including discriminating against those in the gay community. There is also concern the bill could create unintended legal concerns for employers and those looking to do business in Indiana. <\/p>\n
There were dueling rallies Monday morning inside the Statehouse both for and against the bill. <\/p>\n
Supporters came out strong, wearing their green, saying the bill is all about guaranteeing protections for business owners without worrying about their religious freedoms being jeopardized. <\/p>\n
\"We want to be able to practice our faith even in our businesses, in our homes, in our churches without fear of being prosecuted,\" said supporter Cindy Holmes. \"You hear stories all over the country where where bakers and florists are losing their businesses and homes just because they wanted to practice their faiths and stand by their beliefs. We want to be able to do that in Indiana and we don't believe the Constitution does that for us in complete.\" <\/p>\n
Those against the bill wore red,sending a message that Hoosiers are against discrimination. They say the bill will discriminate against people, particularly those in the gay community. <\/p>\n
\"I'm a woman, I'm African American,\" said Whittney Murphy in opposition to the legislation. \"I'm also a member of the LGBT community. So, if I walk up to a store and there's a sign that says no LGBT people, I remember reading from history there were signs that said no African Americans and that was based on religion as well.\" <\/p>\n
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Religious freedom bill at the center of Statehouse debate<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" INDIANAPOLIS - The House Judiciary Committee has passed the so-called \"religious freedom bill\" by a 9-4 vote. Protecting religious freedom was at the center of several demonstrations Monday at the Indiana Statehouse. The legislation causing the activity is Senate Bill 101 or the Religious Freedom Restoration Act Continue reading