Governors Mike Pence of Indiana and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas have approved the revised versions of similar religious freedom bills that previously gave businesses approval to refuse service to LGBT individuals under the guise of practicing their religious beliefs.
The bills became the subject of national outrage, prompting business leaders including Apple CEO Tim Cook to propose a boycott of Indiana while Walmart chief C. Douglas Mcmillon urged Arkansas to revise the bill.
On Thursday, Gov. Pence clarified that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act does not allow businesses to discriminate against lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, and other individuals of a non-traditional sexual orientation. It also prohibits discrimination by businesses against customers based on their race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or U.S. military service.
However, it does exempt churches, affiliated schools, and non-profit religious groups, which can continue to refuse to provide service to individuals whom they believe do not conform to their religious code.
"Over the past week, this law has become a subject of great misunderstanding and controversy across our state and nation," says Gov. Pence in a statement. "However we got here, we are where we are, and it is important that our state take action to address the concerns that have been raised and move forward."
In a similar move, Gov. Hutchinson approved a similar bill after telling state lawmakers to revise the bill so that it resembles the federal religious freedom law. The redrafted bill was approved by Congress by a landslide win and received bipartisan support.
"The fact that it might not solve every problem for everyone probably means it's a good bill," says Gov. Hutchinson. "It does the three things that I outlined: It protects religious freedom. It establishes a balancing act that the courts must determine in these types of cases. And thirdly, I think it does recognize the diversity of our culture and our work force."
Republican lawmakers in both states stress that the revisions were done not because of an admittance that the original bills were flawed but out of concern over the potential economic side effects if the bills were passed and businesses pushed through with their promise of boycotting the states.
"I don't think it's necessary from a factual, legal standpoint, but I see it's necessary for the economic viability of the state," says Sen. Scott Schneider, who introduced the bill in Indiana. "I'm conflicted, but it's necessary."
Photo: Olivier Ortelpa | Flickr
