By Mark Peters
Indiana legislative leaders said Monday they will propose a bill
to clarify a religious-objections law after facing a national
firestorm over the measure opponents argue could result in
discrimination against gay people.
Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long and House Speaker
Brian Bosma are drafting legislation to address concerns the law
could result in discrimination, including the denial of services to
gays and lesbians. Opponents--and some supporters--of the law have
argued it could eventually allow such outcomes.
"There is clearly unsettled waters right now, and that could
have far-ranging impact. We determined we needed to step in and be
sure that those waters are calm, and that the misconceptions about
the bill are settled," said Mr. Bosma at a news conference
Monday.
Indiana lawmakers have argued the law, which sets a legal
framework for people to challenge government rules that hamper
their practice of religion, is being widely misinterpreted. They
point to similar religious protections in place at the federal
level and some 30 states. Still, the criticism of Indiana has been
widespread, from Indianapolis-based drug maker Eli Lilly & Co.
to Apple Inc. Chief Executive Tim Cook.
The challenge ahead for Messrs. Long and Bosma is building
support for immediate changes to a law that is less than a week
old. The legislation passed overwhelmingly in the legislature, and
Gov. Mike Pence appeared Sunday on ABC's "This Week" to defend it,
saying he was proud of the law.
Mr. Pence is a Republican and the GOP holds sizable majorities
in the House and Senate.
Messrs. Long and Bosma said they are working with their caucuses
and Mr. Pence on the proposed language of what they are describing
as a clarifying measure. They didn't expect the legislation to be
taken up Monday, but said they are looking to move quickly on
it.
Support for the bill from Democratic leaders appeared unlikely.
They are pushing instead for a repeal of the law rather than a
clarification. At a morning news conference, they said Republican
aren't moving aggressively enough in response to the considerable
opposition.
"They were wrong, and it's time they admitted they made a
horrible mistake," said state Rep. Scott Pelath, Democratic
minority leader.
Write to Mark Peters at mark.peters@wsj.com
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