INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s Republican legislative leaders said Monday they’re working on adding language to a new state law to make it clear that it doesn’t allow discrimination against gays and lesbians, while Democrats countered that a full repeal is the only way to stem widespread criticism.
The measure prohibits state laws that “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The definition of “person” includes religious institutions, businesses and associations.
Businesses and organizations across the country have criticized the legislation. Opponents have taken to social media with #boycottindiana.
House Speaker Brian Bosma blamed “mischaracterization” of the law. “What we had hoped for with the bill was a message of inclusion, inclusion of all religious beliefs,” Bosma said. “What instead has come out is a message of exclusion, and that was not the intent.”
