- Gov. Mike
Pence « Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Governor Pence Issues Statement Regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act
Indianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today issued the following statement after signing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (SEA 101) in a private ceremony.“Today I signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, because I support the freedom of religion for every Hoosier of every faith.
“The Constitution of the United States and the Indiana Constitution both provide strong recognition of the freedom of religion but today, many people of faith feel their religious liberty is under attack by government action.
“One need look no further than the recent litigation concerning the Affordable Care Act. A private business and our own University of Notre Dame had to file lawsuits challenging provisions that required them to offer insurance coverage in violation of their religious views.
“Fortunately, in the 1990s Congress passed, and President Clinton signed, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act—limiting government action that would infringe upon religion to only those that did not substantially burden free exercise of religion absent a compelling state interest and in the least restrictive means.
“Last year the Supreme Court of the United States upheld religious liberty in the Hobby Lobby case based on the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, but that act does not apply to individual states or local government action. At present, nineteen states—including our neighbors in Illinois and Kentucky—have adopted Religious Freedom Restoration statutes. And in eleven additional states, the courts have interpreted their constitutions to provide a heightened standard for reviewing government action.
“In order to ensure that religious liberty is fully protected under Indiana law, this year our General Assembly joined those 30 states and the federal government to enshrine these principles in Indiana law, and I fully support that action.
“This bill is not about discrimination, and if I thought it legalized discrimination in any way in Indiana, I would have vetoed it. In fact, it does not even apply to disputes between private parties unless government action is involved. For more than twenty years, the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act has never undermined our nation’s anti-discrimination laws, and it will not in Indiana.
“Indiana is rightly celebrated for the hospitality, generosity, tolerance, and values of our people, and that will never change. Faith and religion are important values to millions of Hoosiers and with the passage of this legislation, we ensure that Indiana will continue to be a place where we respect freedom of religion and make certain that government action will always be subject to the highest level of scrutiny that respects the religious beliefs of every Hoosier of every faith.”
###
| Location Information: Statewide IN |
Name: Kara Brooks
March 26, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ACLU Comment on Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Signing
Discriminatory 'Religious Freedom' Bill into Law
INDIANAPOLIS – Gov. Mike Pence today signed a bill into law that would allow anyone to use their religious beliefs to claim that they have a right to refuse to follow anti-discrimination protections and other laws.
SB 101 is a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) bill modeled off Arizona’s SB 1062 that Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed last year following strong opposition from the local and national business communities. In response to Gov. Pence’s public support of the bill, widespread discontent was voiced by business and faith communities: the GenCon convention, Indianapolis Colts player Pat McAfee, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the first openly gay NBA player, Jason Collins.
"The timing of this legislation is important to understanding its intent: The bill was introduced as a backlash reaction to achieving marriage equality for same-sex couples in Indiana," said Jane Henegar, executive director of the ACLU of Indiana. "We are deeply disappointed that the governor and state lawmakers have been tone-deaf to the cries of legions of Hoosiers – including businesses, convention leaders, faith communities, and more than 10,000 people who signed petitions against the bill – who say they don’t want this harmful legislation to impair the reputation of our state and harm our ability to attract the best and brightest to Indiana."
The ACLU and other groups took a stand against the bill by petitioning Gov. Pence to veto. It is the first state to pass a RFRA this legislative session and is closely trailed by bills in Georgia and Arkansas that would have similar consequences.
"While we are disappointed by the outcome in Indiana, we remain heartened by the thousands of Americans across the country who, regardless of their faith or political persuasion, spoke out against this misguided legislation," said Eunice Rho, advocacy and policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union. "Unfortunately, the fight continues, with states like Arkansas and Georgia dangerously close to passing similar legislation. We hope leaders in those states are paying attention to the public outcry in their states and seeing the economic backlash in Indiana and elsewhere. Religious freedom is a core American value, one that the ACLU has been defending since its founding. However, we will continue to oppose any attempts to use religion to discriminate."
The Indiana RFRA is one of 24 introduced in 15 states this year that could allow someone to use their religious beliefs to discriminate. Numerous other bills specifically single out the LGBT community for unequal treatment.
State-by-state bill tracking information is available on the ACLU
website here:
https://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/anti-lgbt-religious-refusals-legislation-across-country.
Democratic
National Committee
For Immediate Release:
March 26, 2015
Contact:
DNC Press
DNC Vice Chair Statement on Governor Mike Pence Signing SB 101
Washington, DC – In response to Indiana Governor Mike Pence signing SB 101, a bill that could allow Indiana businesses to deny services to customers based on sexual orientation, DNC Vice Chair, President of the Association of State Democratic Chairs, New Hampshire Democratic Party Chair, and Member of the DNC’s LGBT Caucus Ray Buckley released the following statement:
“In the face of opposition from Indiana’s LGBT community, Indiana’s business community, and the majority of Americans who believe a business should not be able to refuse services to individuals because they are gay or lesbian, Governor Mike Pence and the Republican Party decided to move forward with a damaging bill that turns back the clock on the progress we have made for LGBT equality.
“By signing this blatantly discriminatory bill
that will only drive business out of his state, Pence reminds every
Hoosier and every American that the Republican Party is more focused
on its ideological social agenda than it is on expanding opportunity
for the middle class and growing our economy.
“And the fact is, Republican presidential hopeful Mike Pence is far
from alone on this issue. Jeb Bush, Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, and
Marco
Rubio have all voiced support for similar legislation and policies that
would give businesses the right to refuse services
to LGBT people. Just imagine if these politicians had the chance to
bring this dangerous and divisive agenda to the White House.
“So while Republicans applaud Mike Pence for allowing Indiana businesses to discriminate against the LBGT community, Democrats will continue to stand with our community and fight for a more inclusive society in Indiana and across the country.”
##
Cruz for President
March 30, 2015
CRUZ:
I'm
proud
to
stand
with
Gov. Mike Pence, and I urge Americans to do the
same
Issues Statement on Religious Freedom Restoration Act
HOUSTON, Texas -- U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, issued the following statement today in support of Governor Mike Pence's effort to defend religious liberty and protect against the government forcing individuals to violate their deeply held beliefs:
“I want to commend Governor Mike Pence for his support of religious freedom, especially in the face of fierce opposition. There was a time, not too long ago, when defending religious liberty enjoyed strong bipartisan support. Alas, today we are facing a concerted assault on the First Amendment, on the right of every American to seek out and worship God according to the dictates of his or her conscience. Governor Pence is holding the line to protect religious liberty in the Hoosier State. Indiana is giving voice to millions of courageous conservatives across this country who are deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks upon our personal liberties. I'm proud to stand with Mike, and I urge Americans to do the same.”
Family Research Council
March 30, 2015
Dear ---,
We can't take for granted our freedom of religion; the freedom to believe and to live according to those beliefs. Given to us by God, and recognized by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, religious freedom is crucial to the life of our democracy. If the government punishes people for living their faith, there are no limits to what government can control.
If religious freedom falls in one state, it is endangered everywhere. Where states and leaders advance religious liberty, we need to encourage them to stand. Please read the following petition in support of Indiana Governor Mike Pence, and if you agree, please join me in signing it. Those who stand for freedom need others to stand with them.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence recently signed into law a Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) that protects people who live their daily lives according to their faith against government discrimination. This law reflects polling that shows 81% of Americans support the freedom to live out one's beliefs. The Indiana law is like the federal RFRA that was signed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, and RFRAs in 19 other states.
Now, a leftist-driven movement has spread misinformation about the law, threatened boycotts and fomented false rhetoric in the media and online. Even in our day, the price of freedom is steep, and Governor Pence is standing strong for freedom despite the cost. Efforts are about to pressure Governor Pence to support changing or amending the law to weaken it. All Americans who live according to their religious beliefs should be free from fear of government punishment. I stand with Governor Pence in his support of religious freedom as stated in the Indiana RFRA, and urge him to oppose all efforts to change the law.
Click here to sign the petition and stand for religious freedom with Gov. Pence!
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins
President
Democratic National Committee
March 31, 2015
This week, Republican presidential hopeful Mike Pence has set out to undo the progress that has been made for LGBT equality by passing a bill that will allow businesses to refuse services to LGBT individuals based on religious beliefs.
Other Republican presidential hopefuls also doubled down on this damaging policy yesterday:
Jeb Bush on Hugh Hewitt: “Governor Pence has done the right thing.” Listen here.
Marco Rubio on Fox News: “Should someone who provides a professional service be punished by the law because they refuse to provide that professional service to a ceremony that they believe is in violation of their faith?” Watch here.
WisPolitics: “Gov. Scott Walker today was noncommittal on whether he believes Wisconsin should adopt something similar to Indiana’s ‘religious freedom’ law, saying it’s not something that’s been debated at any length here ‘but we’ll see in the future.’” Read more here.
But here’s what the rest of the country is saying:
Washington Post: Indiana’s religious freedom law can have real discriminatory effects
New York Times: In Indiana, Using Religion as a Cover for Bigotry
Indianapolis Star: Gov. Pence, fix 'religious freedom' law now
USA Today: Indiana's law invites state-sanctioned bigotry
Chicago Tribune: Gay rights and religion in Indiana
New York Daily News: Hoosier hooey: Indiana perverts religious freedom in service of anti-gay bigotry
Courier-Journal: Indiana’s bad bill
Bloomberg View: Indiana Opens Its Doors to Discrimination
Virginian-Pilot: Discrimination: A religious freedom in Indiana
Star-Ledger: Will Indiana be known as the homophobic state?
San Francisco Chronicle: Indiana’s mistaken policy will allow discrimination
Indiana Democratic Party
March 31, 2015
Dear ---,
By now I'm sure you have heard of Governor Pence's disastrous appearance on ABC's This Week (see video below). Countless companies and organizations have voiced their objections to the so-called Religious Freedom bill the governor signed into law last week, and many are looking at options for moving their businesses, headquarters, and conventions out of Indiana. The possible impact of this is approaching hundreds of millions of dollars lost in economic fuel for our state. And it isn't right.
Are you tired of the socially-divisive GOP agenda dominating the Indiana General Assembly? Do you believe that everyone is entitled to equal rights and protection from discrimination under the law? Hoosier Hospitality isn't just a saying--it is our way of life. Governor Pence and this Republican supermajority in the General Assembly are not doing anything to create jobs, raise the wage, increase access to education for all kids, or address income inequality in our state. It is time for this out-of-touch way of governing to end. Donate now to stand up to the GOP and tell Governor Pence that real Hoosiers do not discriminate against others.
If you've saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately:
We can't make Pence a one-term governor without your help. Please contribute to the Party today to stop his arrogant, job-killing agenda.
Democratically yours,
John Zody
Democratic National Committee
March 31, 2015
In response to Indiana Governor Mike Pence’s press conference today, please see the below statement from Holly Shulman, National Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee:
“Nothing Gov. Pence said today changes the fact he advocated for and signed into law a bill that allows Indiana business to discriminate against the LGBT community under the guise of religious freedom. Attacking the media is no excuse for the fact that Pence was warned this legislation would hurt Indiana’s economy and its image weeks before Pence even signed it into law. The business community is not lining up against RFRA because of the media backlash, they’re lining up against RFRA because of what it is designed to do: discriminate against LGBT individuals.
“Furthermore,
today’s press conference only complicates things for nearly every
potential 2016 GOP candidate. Yesterday, nearly all of his colleagues
in the Republican
race for the presidency sided with Pence and defended this
discriminatory law. Today, Pence is saying he wants to “fix” the
law –
even though he refuses to say exactly what the fix is and has still
made clear that he doesn’t plan to do anything to protect
LGBT Americans from discrimination.
Pence, Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, Scott Walker, Rand Paul, and every
potential 2016 GOP candidate still have one simple question to answer:
should businesses be allowed to discriminate against the LGBT
community? I think we already know their answer.”
Faith & Freedom Coalition
|
For
Immediate Release: |
Contact: Joy Creasman |
FAITH AND FREEDOM COALITION TO GOP:
“GROW A BACKBONE” ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Leading Social Conservative Organization Decries Lack of Leadership in Defending Religious Freedom, Vows to Mobilize Its One Million Members in a Campaign to Protect People of Faith from Discrimination.The leadership of the Faith & Freedom Coalition, one of the nation’s largest and most influential pro-family organizations, today decried the lack of political spine by Republicans in standing firm for the religious freedom of all Americans after a series of retreats or failures to act on various state religious freedom statutes nationwide.
“We have watched a sad spectacle this week as one Republican elected leader after another retreated on the rights of people of faith to have space to express their religious beliefs and defend their conscience,” said Tim Head, executive director of Faith & Freedom Coalition. “When criticized on the simple issue of the First Amendment right to exercise one’s religion, they folded like a cheap suit. It is time for Republicans to grow a backbone when it comes to religious freedom and stand tall for religious expression, one of the most cherished rights under our Constitution.”
“To see elected officials either unable or unwilling to articulate and defend the simple American principle that no one of any faith should be compelled by the government to violate their conscience and deny their most deeply-held tenets of faith is beyond embarrassing,” said Head. “If the Republican Party and its candidates expect evangelicals, faithful Catholics, and other people of faith to turn out to the polls in large numbers in 2016, they better show more political courage, skill, and moral clarity on one of the most important issues of our time. We are now in the seventh year of an administration that has trampled on religious freedom more than any in U.S. history, attempting to force Roman Catholic nuns to pay for the taking of innocent human life, force evangelicals to pay for medical services that assault their conscience, and deny churches and synagogues the right to select their own pastors and rabbis. If the GOP can’t show more spine on defending religious folk, then they should not count on a large turnout of evangelicals in 2016. Given the demographics of the electorate, that is a recipe for certain defeat.”
This week Republican legislatures and Republican governors in Indiana, Georgia, and Arkansas either revised religious freedom statutes expressly modeled on the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, or failed to enact such a statute in the waning hours of the legislative session. These statutes are not motivated by animus towards gay Americans or anyone else, and they create no right by anyone to deny services to someone because of their sexual preference. They are designed merely to achieve at the state level what the federal act did, to create room for faith-based individuals to defend their right to religious expression. The laws do not guarantee the outcome of any case; they simply create a higher burden for government infringement on the First Amendment right to religious expression. Without it, Hobby Lobby and other Christian-owned closely held businesses would have been required to participate and fund the taking of innocent human life, including abortion.
Head commended the many Republican presidential candidates who defended Indiana’s religious freedom law. “People of faith are tired of platitudes and half measures. The Faith & Freedom Coalition is aware and appreciative of candidates that are speaking out and leading on defending our freedom of worship and conscience."
The federal act was sponsored by Chuck Schumer, supported by Ted Kennedy and the ACLU along with the Christian Coalition, signed into law by Bill Clinton, and is one of the great bipartisan legislative achievements of recent decades. Faith & Freedom will continue to lobby for the passage of state religious freedom statutes, and will not rest until they are the law in all 50 states.
Copyright © 2014 Eric M. Appleman/Democracy in
Action.
All rights reserved.