Indiana lawmakers unveil ‘fix’ for state religious freedom law

Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long speaks as House Speaker Brian Bosma looks on during a press conference about anti-discrimination safeguards added to the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Photo by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images

Republican leaders in the Indiana legislature announced today a proposal aiming to clarify the state’s controversial religious freedom law. The law has recently come under fire due to the belief that the new rules would allow businesses to discriminate against LGBT customers under the protection of religious belief.

At a news conference on Thursday, Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma and state Senate President Pro Tem David Long unveiled new language that would alter Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act to prevent state businesses from refusing service to gay and lesbian customers.

“What was intended as a message of inclusion was interpreted as a message of exclusion, especially for the LGBT community,” Bosma said. “Nothing could have been further from the truth, but it was clear the perception had to be addressed.”

The clarifications, Long added, would “unequivocably state that [Indiana’s religious freedom] law does not and will not be able to discriminate against anyone, anywhere at any time.”

The original legislation has been subjected to intense scrutiny, increasingly so since it was signed into law by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence last week. Several states have banned government-funded travel to Indiana, while several businesses and performers have launched boycotts. Though Pence has continued to defend the legislation — stating that the law’s “perception problem” could be attributed to being “grossly mischaracterized” by the media — he welcomed the chance to sign any amendments to clarify the law.

The bill would have to pass both houses of Indiana’s legislature before it reaches the governor’s desk, though both Bosma and Long say they have secured enough votes to pass the new language.

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