INDIANAPOLIS -
The House Judiciary Committee has passed the so-called "religious freedom bill" by a 9-4 vote.
Senate Bill 101, or the
Religious Freedom Restoration Act, is designed to allow Hoosiers the right to say no when it comes to providing services for same-sex weddings and other instances that violate their religious belief.
For example, a Christian pharmacist who objects to dispensing abortion pills, contrary to their religious beliefs, would be protected under law.
However, those against the bill say it has the potential to do much more than that, including discriminating against those in the gay community. There is also concern the bill could create unintended legal concerns for employers and those looking to do business in Indiana.
There were dueling rallies Monday morning inside the Statehouse both for and against the bill. You had the Indy Chamber, Cummins Inc. and Eskenazi Hospital testifying against it, but you also had a host of religious leaders and right to life arguing in favor of it.
Lawmakers were caught in the middle.
Supporters came out strong, wearing their green, saying the bill is all about guaranteeing protections for business owners without worrying about their religious freedoms being jeopardized.
"We want to be able to practice our faith even in our businesses, in our homes, in our churches without fear of being prosecuted," said supporter Cindy Holmes. "You hear stories all over the country where where bakers and florists are losing their businesses and homes just because they wanted to practice their faiths and stand by their beliefs. We want to be able to do that in Indiana and we don't believe the Constitution does that for us in complete."
Those against the bill wore red, sending a message that Hoosiers are against discrimination. They say the bill will discriminate against people, particularly those in the gay community.
"I'm a woman, I'm African American," said Whittney Murphy in opposition to the legislation. "I'm also a member of the LGBT community. So, if I walk up to a store and there's a sign that says no LGBT people, I remember reading from history there were signs that said no African Americans and that was based on religion as well."
The debate spilled out of the House Chamber and across the entire state of Indiana. SB 101 would prevent Hoosiers with strongly held religious beliefs from being compelled to participate or provide services for same-sex couples.
"Protecting a caterer's right on faith principals, to deny catering a fundraising event for an abortion business, while protecting a property owner's right, based on faith principles, to deny renting or selling a property to be used for an abortion clinic," Mike Fichter from Indiana Right to Life testified Monday.
Amy Sandler presented the other side of the story. Sandler's wife, Niki Quasney, passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 38. A court granted them the right to be the first legally married same-sex couple in Indiana history.
"SB 101 would strip away the safety net for all same-sex married couples in Indiana. It would allow any business organization or individual to deny LGBT families, like mine, basic critical services simply based on religious objection. This bill is written so anybody can decide for themselves who is worthy to be treated with respect," Sandler told lawmakers.
The debate lasted for four hours and was heated at times. Tim Overton, a local pastor who testified in favor of the bill, also expressed disappointment over a possible compromise to assure there would be no discrimination in the state.
"Representative Delaney said that he would vote for this bill if an accompanying bill was also passed at the same time. I find that disappointing as a pastor that we would hold religious liberty hostage to alternative priorities," Overton remarked.
Representative Ed Delaney took issue with the remark.
"I am not sent here to vote for or against God. I am voting for the people. That is my job," Delaney shot back.
The bill has already cleared the Senate and is headed to the full House.
Gov. Mike Pence has already spoken in support of the bill and indicated he will sign it if it makes it to his desk. But the battle lines are drawn as one side tries to get it there and the other side tries to stop it.