The Latest Developments on Religious-Objection Laws
The GOP is creating a raft of court cases that will clog the courts and fail to achieve the zealot’s goals behind them. LGBT freedom will endure beyond these reactionary attempts to keep them separate and unequal second class citizens through legislation designed to allow discrimination against them.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence has urged lawmakers to send a bill to his desk by the end of the week to clarify the intent of a new religious-objections law that critics fear could allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.
Pence’s move on Tuesday to quell a backlash over the law came as Arkansas lawmakers defied criticism and passed similar legislation that now heads to the governor. A look at the latest developments:
The Indiana law, which takes effect July 1, does not specifically mention gays and lesbians, but opponents say it is designed to protect businesses and individuals who do not want to serve gays and lesbians, such as florists or caterers who might be hired for a same-sex wedding.