Watch – Mike Pence Doubles Down On Anti-Gay Law: ‘We’re Not Going To Change This’ (Video)

Mike Pence told George Stephanopoulos Sunday morning Indiana will not change the anti-gay “religious freedom” bill and he’s “proud” of it.

After a week of exponentially increasing criticism, Mike Pence decided to fight back Sunday morning on ABC News’ “The Week.” The embattled and fatigued Republican Governor told George Stephanopoulos he is “proud” of Indiana’s anti-gay Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and insisted, “We’re not going to change the law.”

Pence also greatly mischaracterized his state’s RFRA, all but stating it is exactly like the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993. It is not. He also wrongly suggested his law is similar to those of the other 19 states that have enacted RFRAs. It is not.

Plainly put, the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act is greatly different from both the federal RFRA and the other state RFRAs, and Pence’s suggestions to the contrary are misleading at best, intentionally factually false at worst. 

Stephanopoulos asked Gov. Pence if he thought gays and lesbians should be protected from discrimination several times. Pence refused to answer the question each time.

He also told the ABC News host that it “absolutely” was not a mistake to sign the law, and claimed the law is “not about discrimination,” but merely “about empowering people to confront government overreach.”

Pence claimed there has been a “tremendous amount of misunderstanding and misinformation” surrounding the RFRA.

UPDATE: Watch This Awesome Mashup Of Mike Pence Dodging Every Question About Anti-Gay Discrimination

“I’m just determined to clarify this bill, this is about protecting the religious liberty of people of faith and families of faith.” 

Pence refused to answer Stephanopoulos’ question if a “florist in Indiana can now refuse to serve a gay couple without fear of punishment,” but insisted “there’s been shameless rhetoric” about the law.

Pence also falsely stated the Indiana law does not apply to private parties unless the government is involved. 

Time and time, over and over again Pence cited the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act rather than the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act when making his points – a clear and calculated attempt to mislead and misinform.

And he repeatedly refused to answer if gays and lesbian should be discriminated against.

Gov. Pence also adamantly insisted adding protections for LGBT people is not on his “agenda.” 

People on social media were outraged with Pence’s performance:

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