INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says he wants legislation on his desk by the end of the week, clarifying that a new religious-freedom law does not allow discrimination.
- RELATED: Pence talks about the law on Fox and Friends on Tuesday morning, March 31, 2015
Pence said Tuesday he has been meeting with lawmakers “around the clock” to address concerns that the law will allow businesses to deny services to gays and lesbians.
Scroll down to see live tweets from the press conference
The law signed by Pence last week 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.
Pence says the law has been “grossly mischaracterized” and has put Indiana under a harsh glare. Businesses and organizations including Apple and the NCAA have voiced concern over the effect of the law, and some states have barred government-funded travel to Indiana.
Pence: #RFRA meant for courts to use in #religiousliberty cases. Echoes what he said in this interview http://t.co/WO6byBgicD
— News/Talk 95.3 MNC (@953MNC) March 31, 2015
“This law does not give anyone a license to deny services to gay and lesbian couples,” Pence said. #RFRA #ReligiousFreedom
— News/Talk 95.3 MNC (@953MNC) March 31, 2015
Calling on #INLegis to have a bill by week end that makes it clear this law does not give businesses the right to deny services to anyone.
— Governor Mike Pence (@GovPenceIN) March 31, 2015
Pence: Hobby Lobby #SCOTUS decision played role in developing Indiana #RFRA law, as did similar #NotreDame lawsuit. #ReligiousFreedom
— News/Talk 95.3 MNC (@953MNC) March 31, 2015
Pence: “I don’t support discrimination against gays or lesbians or anyone else. I abhor discrimination.” #RFRA #ReligiousFreedom
— News/Talk 95.3 MNC (@953MNC) March 31, 2015
Pence: “Nobody should be harassed or mistreated because of who they are, who they love or what they believe.” #RFRA #ReligiousFreedom
— News/Talk 95.3 MNC (@953MNC) March 31, 2015
During FOX & Friends interview today, Pence said he wouldn’t eat at restaurant he saw deny services to LGBT ppl http://t.co/WO6byBgicD #RFRA
— News/Talk 95.3 MNC (@953MNC) March 31, 2015
Pence: As CEO of state of Indiana, he’s determined to bring people together to solve problems. #RFRA #ReligiousFreedom #INlegis
— News/Talk 95.3 MNC (@953MNC) March 31, 2015
