The White House has come out sharply criticizing the signing of Indiana’s anti-gay “religious freedom” law.Â
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest today expressed criticism and concern over the signing of a discriminatory and divisive anti-gay law by Indiana Republican Governor Mike Pence.
The Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act, now that it is law, allows anyone to discriminate against anyone else by merely citing what they claim to be their sincerely held chosen religious beliefs. The LGBT community is believed to be the target of the law, but it allows and enables discrimination against anyone, including minorities and women.
“I have seen that there are a number of private businesses and nonprofit organizations that have said that the signing of this law prompts them to reconsider doing business in the state of Indiana,†Earnest said, as first reported today by Justin Snow at MetroWeekly. “All those business and some of those who are considering having conventions in Indiana have raised concerns about whether all of their employees can count on being treated fairly in Indiana.”
Among those Earnest was referring to are $4 billion software firm Salesforce, $50 million annual gaming convention Gen Con, Fortune 500 member Cummins, Eskenazi Health, Eli Lilly and Co., Yelp, Hillary Clinton, George Takei, Pat McAfee, Jason Collins, the mayor of Indianapolis, and the State of Indiana’s own tourism board, among many others.
“I think that is a testament to the kind of reaction I think a lot of people all across the country had, which is that the signing of the bill doesn’t seem like it’s a step in the direction of equality and justice and liberty for all Americans,” Earnest continued. “Again, that’s not just the view of the administration, I know that’s the view of the Republican mayor of Indianapolis and a whole host of nonprofit and private sector companies who have legitimate concerns about the impact of this legislation.”
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