INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence took a defiant tone in launching his 2016 re-election campaign, saying he’s ready to take on opponents seeking to use the uproar over the state’s religious objections law against him.

Pence told the crowd at a GOP fundraising dinner Thursday night that he doesn’t tolerate discrimination against anyone but freedom of conscience and religion must be protected.

The law Pence signed attracted a national outcry this spring as critics called it anti-gay and called for boycotts of Indiana.

Pence says he bears some responsibility for the uproar, but that it’s been spurred by liberal special interests.

About 50 protesters holding anti-Pence signs gathered outside the banquet hall. State Democratic Chairman John Zody says many people believe the religious objections law caused the state lasting harm.