Photo shows opponents of SB 101 rallying against the bill
Indiana’s controversial “Freedom of Religion” bill, which allows business owners and employers to opt-out of providing services to people they believe have same-sex attractions or relationships, was moved out of committee and cleared for a full vote by a strong majority.
WTHR has video covering the protest–and counter-protest–which occurred at the State House in Indianapolis today.
The bill has passed both the State Senate and this Committee, and now goes to the full house for a vote. The Governor has already stated his intention to pass the bill if it reaches his desk.
The bill aims to allow individuals to discriminate in business on the basis of religious differences, and protects dissenters from adverse effect; critics argue that it lets individuals make discriminatory decisions that would violate Federal laws. One example used by critics is that police officers could refuse to patrol near religious institutions different from their own, and be protected from disciplinary action.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce opposes the bill on the grounds that it would expose many companies to litigation from their employers.
Do you think the bill will pass? What will happen when the Supreme Court finally takes up the legality of State bans of weddings between same-sex couples?
Posted by David Streever