Faced with a wave of critical comment and mounting economic threats from around the country, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) says he wants to legislatively clarify the intent of his states new Religious Freedom Restoration Act. <\/p>\n
The law allows businesses to refuse service to potential customers and clients on religious grounds, which critics say is a clear shot at the LGBT community in particular those advocating or wanting to participate in same-sex marriage. <\/p>\n
In an interview with the Indianapolis Star, Gov. Pence did not detail his legislative plans for the new law, other than to indicate that any changes wouldnt be sweeping. Making gay and lesbian Hoosiers a protected legal class, Pence said, is not on my agenda. <\/p>\n
Since he signed the law last week, the Republican governor has faced a rolling wave of opposition, not only from civil rights groups but potentially more damaging from major corporations doing business in the state. <\/p>\n
The list includes Apple and Wal-Mart as well the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, IndianapolisMayor Greg Ballard (whos a Republican) and major local employers, including Alcoa, Cummins, Eli Lilly & Co., andSalesforce. <\/p>\n
The business-rating website Angies List (which is headquartered in Indianapolis) joined that growing crowd Saturday. CEO Bill Oesterle said hes putting on hold the planned expansion of company facilities in Indiana until we fully understand the implications of the freedom restoration act on our employees, both current and future. <\/p>\n
\"Angie's List is open to all and discriminates against none and we are hugely disappointed in what this bill represents, Mr. Oesterle said in a statement. The companys $40 million campus expansion reportedly would add 1,000 jobs over five years. <\/p>\n
Sports figures and enterprises have been weighing in as well. <\/p>\n
Herb Simon, owner of the NBA Indiana Pacers and the WNBA Indiana Fever, says his teams have the strongest possible commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination on any basis. <\/p>\n
Everyone is always welcome at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Mr. Simon said in a statement. That has always been the policy from the very beginning of the Simon family's involvement and it always will be. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Continued here:<\/p>\n
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence scrambles to 'clarify' new religious freedom law<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Faced with a wave of critical comment and mounting economic threats from around the country, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) says he wants to legislatively clarify the intent of his states new Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The law allows businesses to refuse service to potential customers and clients on religious grounds, which critics say is a clear shot at the LGBT community in particular those advocating or wanting to participate in same-sex marriage. Continue reading