Indiana Governor Mike Pence Signs Controversial ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill

By Christopher Thielen on March 27, 2015

Starting July 1, 2015 Indiana business owners will have the legal right to deny employment to same-sex couples if they wish.

Titled the Religious Freedom Restoration bill, Indiana SB 101 was signed by Governor Mike Pence on the morning of Thursday, March 26, 2015. Governor Pence:

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.

The law may also be interpreted to support other forms of discrimination. From NPR:

During debate on the legislation, state Rep. Bruce Borders cited the example of an anesthesiologist who objected to putting under a woman who was preparing to undergo an abortion.

The bill has been widely criticized as legalizing discrimination against same-sex couples by many groups and individuals including the Human Rights Campaign.