INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Sen. Joe Donnelly says he will work with others to motivate Indiana residents to contact elected officials to let them know they oppose a new state law that critics say could allow discrimination against gay people.

The Indiana Democrat says the law sends the wrong message about Indiana and its people. Donnelly said in a statement Sunday he will work with elected leaders who understand that Indiana is a stronger state when it’s clear that it values the talents and contributions of all state residents.

Gov. Mike Pence, a Republican, defended the state religious objections law while appearing Sunday on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” saying it is not about discrimination, but about empowering people to confront “government overreach.”