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With the NCAA men's basketball Final Four tournament set to begin later this week in Indiana, the state's new religious freedom restoration act is drawing added attention and scrutiny. <\/p>\n
Critics say the law could allow businesses to turn away gay and lesbian customers in the name of religious freedom. Governor Mike Pence defended the law in a weekend appearance on ABCs This Week. <\/p>\n
\"The question here is if there is a government action or a law that an individual believes impinges on their religious liberty, they have the opportunity to go to court, just as the Religious Freedom and Reformation Act that Bill Clinton signed allowed them, to go to court and the court would evaluate the circumstance under the standards articulated in this act,\" Pence said. <\/p>\n
Pence said he expects a clarification bill to be introduced in the coming week. <\/p>\n
We're not going to change the law,\" he said, \"but if the general assembly in Indiana sends me a bill that adds a section that reiterates and amplifies and clarifies what the law really is and what it has been for the last 20 years, than I'm open to that.\" <\/p>\n
But Pence was adamant that the measure, slated to take effect in July, will stick. \"We're not going to change this law,\" he said. <\/p>\n
ABC News <\/p>\n
PHOTO: Gov. Mike Pence on 'This Week' <\/p>\n
The law quickly gained national attention after it was signed Thursday. The NCAA, which is based in Indianapolis, released a statement expressing concern that the law would negatively impact athletes and visitors in town for the Final Four games of its mens basketball tournament. <\/p>\n
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'Religious Freedom' Law Scrutinized Ahead of Final Four<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" World News Videos | US News VideosCopy With the NCAA men's basketball Final Four tournament set to begin later this week in Indiana, the state's new religious freedom restoration act is drawing added attention and scrutiny. Critics say the law could allow businesses to turn away gay and lesbian customers in the name of religious freedom. Governor Mike Pence defended the law in a weekend appearance on ABCs This Week Continue reading