A controversial religious freedom billthat wouldprotect business owners who want to decline to provide services for same-sex couples was passed by Indianas State Housetoday, the latest in a larger battle over same-sex marriage and rights. <\/p>\n
The bill reflects a national debate over the dividing line between religious liberty and anti-gay discrimination.The question ofwhether the religious rights of business owners also extend to their for-profit companies has been a flashpoint as part of a larger debate over same-sex marriage.For instance, the bill would protect awedding photographer who objects to shooting a same-sex wedding. <\/p>\n
TheIndiana House voted63to31to approve a hot-button bill that will likely become law, andRepublican Gov. Mike Pence said he plans to sign the legislation when it lands onhis desk. The state Senates version of the bill would prevent the government from substantially burdening a persons exercise of religion unless the government can prove it has a compelling interest and is doing so in the least restrictive means. <\/p>\n
Supporters say the measure supports religious freedom while opponents fear discrimination against LGBT people. The push towards this kind of legislation comes as same-sex marriage becomes legal across the country. In September, a federal court rulingstruck down bans onsame-sex marriage in Indiana and other states. <\/p>\n
Jason Collins, an athlete who publicly came out as gay after the 2013 NBA season, will be in Indianapolis as a Yahoo Sports analyst covering the NCAA Final Four and publicly questioned the bill. <\/p>\n
Indianas religious freedom bill is modeled on a 22-year-old federal law calledthe Religious Freedom and Restoration Act, which played a key role in the Supreme Courts Hobby Lobby decision in 2014. The court ruled that closely held corporations with religious objectionsdonot have to comply withhealth-carerequirements that they cover contraceptives like Plan B. <\/p>\n
A growing list of cities are passing gay anti-discrimination ordinances, which has raised the ire of more conservative state houses.Severalstates have adopted laws related to religious freedom. Utah recently passed a bill aimingto protect people who are LGBTfrom employment and housing decisions based on their gender identity or sexual orientation, while still protectingreligious institutions that oppose homosexuality. The billdidnot deal with whether a business can deny services because of religious convictions. <\/p>\n
In debating the measure Monday, lawmakers on both sides of the issue cited the Bible to defend their positions, the Indianapolis Starreports. <\/p>\n
Republican Rep. Bruce Borders spoke about an anesthesiologist who declined toanesthetize a woman in preparation for an abortion. According to the Star, Borders said he believes the Bibles command to do all things as unto the Lord means religious believers need to be protected not just in church but in their workplaces as well. <\/p>\n
Democratic Rep. Ed DeLaney argued that Jesus served all people. <\/p>\n
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Indiana House passes controversial religious freedom bill<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A controversial religious freedom billthat wouldprotect business owners who want to decline to provide services for same-sex couples was passed by Indianas State Housetoday, the latest in a larger battle over same-sex marriage and rights. Continue reading