After days of widespread criticism from around the country and from businesses based there, Indiana lawmakers introduced the changes they hope to make to the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The changes attempt to make it clear that the law can’t be used to discriminate against gays and lesbians.
On Tuesday, Gov. Mike Pence assured that the bill had to be fixed, but insisted that it didn’t give businesses the right to discriminate as it already stands. However, critics have disagreed, saying that it is anti-gay.
Today in Indianapolis, lawmakers unveiled the proposed changes to make the RFRA clearer.
“What was intended as a message of inclusion was interpreted as a message of exclusion, especially for the LGBT community,” Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said outside the statehouse, reports USA Today. “Nothing could have been further from the truth, but it was clear the perception had to be addressed.”
According to the Associated Press, the amendment makes it clear that businesses and service providers cannot refuse service and use the law to back up their actions. It also bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, among other things like race, color, religion and national origin.
While the changes are being embraced, many have said that there is still work to be done. The Indy Star reports that Angie’s List, which is based in the state, called the fix “insufficient.”
“There was no repeal of RFRA and no end to discrimination of homosexuals in Indiana,” Angie’s List CEO Bill Oesterle said. “Employers in most of the state of Indiana can fire a person simply for being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning. That's just not right and that's the real issue here. Our employees deserve to live, work and travel with open accommodations in any part of the state.”
The changes still have to be approved by the full legislature and Pence.