Breaking: Amendment To Indiana RFRA Would Include Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity Protections
In a huge turnabout, an amendment to the controversial Indiana “religious freedom” law would include sexual orientation and gender identity protections.
A proposed draft amendment to Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act would turn the intent of the law on its head. That amendment would, for the first time ever in Indiana history, add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected classes – although only in relation to the religious freedom law.
That amendment, as released Thursday morning, “prohibits service providers from using the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide services, goods, facilities or accommodations,” the AP reports. “It also bars discrimination based on race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or United States military service.”
The language would need to be approved and voted on by both the Indiana House and Senate, and signed into law by Governor Mike Pence.
If it does become law, it would be a huge win for equality supporters, and likely distance the Governor even more from religious conservatives, who are opposed to the proposed language.
House Speaker Brian Bosma and other lawmakers spoke at a press conference this morning:
Bosma: “We can unequivocally say that #RFRA cannot be used to discriminate against anyone.”
— Tony Cook (@indystartony) April 2, 2015
Bosma and Long wouldn’t guarantee a hearing on full LGBT civil rights protections next session, but Long says “I think it’s likely.” #RFRA
— Tony Cook (@indystartony) April 2, 2015
Â
Â
Image via Twitter
Enjoy this piece?
… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.
NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.
Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.