Indiana governor now wants a 'fix' to controversial 'religious freedom' law
Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
"Let me say first and foremost, I was proud to sign the Religious Freedom Restoration Act," he said. "This law does not give anyone license to discriminate."
Pence ignited a firestorm last week after he signed the legislation, which aims to protect the right of religious Indiana residents from unreasonable government intrusion.
Critics, however, said the law would allow for businesses to discriminate against same-sex couples. A wide range of celebrities and business leaders condemned the bill and some technology companies even threatened to roll back their investments in Indiana.
Pence appeared pained by the controversy and he repeatedly panned the "sloppy reporting" surrounding the issue.
"It's been a tough week in the Hoosier state but we're going to move forward," he said.
Pence nevertheless admitted his state has a "perception problem." Accordingly, he said the state's legislative leaders would "boldly" move forward with another bill to "fix" and clarify that the law does not endorse discrimination against gays and lesbians.
"We've got a perception problem here because some people have a different view. And we intend to correct that. After much reflection and in consultation with leadership in the general assembly, I've come to the conclusion that it would be helpful to move legislation that makes it clear that this law does not give businesses the right to deny services to anyone. I think it would be helpful," he said.
Pence also admitted that he didn't do the best job of explaining the new law in recent days.
"I could have handled that better," he said of his difficult Sunday interview on ABC.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market