Indiana Governor Mike Pence
Supporters of the bill, which was passed overwhelmingly by both chambers of the Republican-controlled state legislature, say it will keep the government from forcing business owners to act in ways contrary to strongly held religious beliefs. Opponents say it is discriminatory.
"The Constitution of the United States and the Indiana Constitution both provide strong recognition of the freedom of religion but today, many people of faith feel their religious liberty is under attack by government action," said Pence, in a statement after signing the bill.
Legal experts say the Religious Freedom Restoration Act sets a standard that will allow people of all faiths to bring religious freedom claims.
Gay rights groups worry it will be used by businesses that do not want to provide services for gay weddings, although those cases would probably end up being fought out in court. Gay marriage became legal in Indiana last year following an appeals court ruling.
Source: Reuters
A hungry man walks into a restaurant. He happens to be gay. The restaurant staff and/or owners know he is gay and refuse to serve him. In that instance, what religious beliefs were being violated? That the man happens to be gay is irrelevant. What if he is also celibate? Would that make any difference? In this case, none of it makes a difference. As far as the case is concerned, he is a hungry man. He's not performing gay acts in the restaurant. Is there a religious belief against serving food to a hungry man?