Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, SB 101, into law in 2015. This bill’s main goal was to allow individuals and companies the right to their religious beliefs as a defense in the event of a lawsuit, according to Terkel (2015). At first glance, this bill did not sound too out of the ordinary. Once ruminated, it reveals that this can allow business owners to refuse service to anyone citing their religious beliefs, including LGBTQ individuals.
Executive Summary
The bill stirred up a lot of controversy once the notion that Indiana residents could legally be discriminated against for their sexuality. Nationally, this bill caused a firestorm.
Introduction
This topic has multiple components of importance. On one hand, it offers protection for exercising religious freedom. On the other hand, it allows for discrimination, which is detrimental to individuals, neighborhoods, and communities. As this country was founded upon religious freedom among other pursuits, human rights are also a core American value in today’s society.
Approaches and Results
As a result of the controversy, it seemed the country split into sides. Regarding the discrimination of LGBTQ community members, several events were canceled due to the participants unwillingness to participate an era that is discriminatory, as well as a show of support to LGBTQ individuals and communities. According to Amanda Terkel (2015), concert, conferences, and an entire plan for a business’s headquarters expansion into the state were all canceled for the same reasons. Those that believe the passing of this bill was for the greater good have argued that 20 states have already adopted similar laws, according to Ed Payne (2015). However, the point that this law was signed at the arguable height of gay rights arguments sweeping the country, as gay marriage was legalized nationally two months later.
Conclusion
There are other laws in place regarding freedom of religion, the most popular being The Constitution. If everyone in this country is equal, there is no viable reason why there should be any type of legislation allowing discrimination. Freedom of religion is already in place and what we need to be focusing on tackling is discrimination.
Implications and Recommendations
Soon after the signing of this bill, a revised version was signed that barred the newly passed law to become a crutch for homophobia. The LGBTQ communities and their allies want the law completely repealed, as the discrimination is still rampant, often times not enforced, and the bill itself is demeaning to others. To assist our LGBTQ brothers and sisters in pursuit to have this law repealed, please encourage Indiana constituents to contact their Senators. Indiana’s Senator’s include Joe Donnelley (202-224-4814) and Dan Coats (202-224-5623), as well as making your voice heard by contacting our local senators and representatives and asking what else we can do to protest this law in another state.