The Wayne County commission is on board with groups and organizations throughout the Hoosier state in issuing public support against Senate Bill 101 — the Religious Freedom Restoration Act — as it was originally written.
This week’s resolution “affirms the board’s commitment to respect for ethnic and cultural diversity and affirming its intent that its constituents enjoy equal access to and protection of the law.”
Thursday, that resolution was followed by Gov. Mike Pence’s signing off on changes in the law to quell fears of discrimination against lesbians and gays. He signed the new legislation after the House and Senate approved the changes, which arose out of intense negotiations with business and community leaders.
“What was intended as a lesson of inclusion was interpreted as a message of exclusion especially from the LGBT community,” state House Speaker Brian Bosma said earlier in the day, before Pence’s decision.
Several media reports indicated that Pence this week had asked lawmakers to clarify language in the law as businesses canceled conventions and governments banned travel to the state.
The revised legislation prohibits providers from using the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide services, goods, facilities or accommodations. It also bars discrimination based on factors that include race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or United States military service.
The law takes effect July 1.
Beside triggering the canceling of business activities throughout the state, the law has prompted a campaign among some Indiana businesses to send a clear message to patrons that discrimination and exclusion won’t be tolerated.
Ply Fiber Arts, a small business in Richmond on East Main Street for all things involving knitting and weaving, is displaying the sticker.
Co-owners John and Sam Purcell told News Center 7’s John Bedell that for them, the campaign is not about taking a stance on RFRA.
“We choose only to make a statement that we want everyone to know that we are completely non-discriminating against any customer,” John Purcell said.
Sam, his wife, said, “I think the biggest issue in Wayne County is that people know Indiana is a welcoming and friendly state and we encourage visitors from all parts of the country and of all diversities.”
