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Pence, Freedom Indiana release statements on ‘Religious Freedom’ bill

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Governor Mike Pence and Freedom Indiana both released statements regarding the “Religious Freedom” bill shortly after it was voted through the State House on Monday afternoon.

The legislation, SB 101, is about respecting and reassuring Hoosiers that their religious freedoms are intact. I strongly support the legislation and applaud the members of the General Assembly for their work on this important issue. I look forward to signing the bill when it reaches my desk.”
– Gov. Mike Pence

Because the bill was amended while it was in the House Committee, it will now return to the State Senate to be voted on again. If the Senate passes the amendment, the bill will go to Governor Pence’s desk for signature or veto.

We’re extremely disappointed that 63 members of the Indiana House suddenly believe we need a new law to protect religious freedom that’s been enshrined in our Constitution for centuries. We all know Senate Bill 101 is about creating a license for some Hoosiers to discriminate against others in the name of faith, and we all understand that the law’s unintended consequences could harm LGBT Hoosiers, undercut our economic growth and put our children at risk. We turn our attention now to Governor Pence who, like Governor Jan Brewer in Arizona, has the ability to stop this dangerous bill dead in its tracks when it hits his desk. When Governor Brewer vetoed the Arizona RFRA last year, she clearly stated that ‘religious liberty is a core American and Arizona value. So is non-discrimination. Will Governor Pence send the message that Indiana is open for business, or will our new message be that Hoosier hospitality is just an empty slogan?”
– Katie Blair, Freedom Indiana campaign manager