Tag: Indiana

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FRC’s Peter Sprigg Gets Schooled By CNN’s Chris Cuomo On Indiana “License To Discriminate”

CNN’s Chris Cuomo delivers an epic take-down of virulently anti-gay Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council over Indiana’s “License To Discriminate” legislation – SB101.

Excerpt via Mediaite:

“There is a picture that’s circulating around of the governor as he signed [the bill],” Cuomo said. “Several of the people in the picture are outspoken critics of gay existence. Now, that’s not a coincidence. It’s not a coincidence why you’re against it. Let me ask you, why do so many Christians these days believe that the exercise of their faith requires exclusion and judgment of others?”

“Some people have a sincere, conscientious belief that marriage is defined as the union between a man and a woman,” Sprigg replied. “In fact the majority of Americans believe that.”

“Popularity is not the ultimate arbiter of what is right and wrong if protecting rights under the Constitution,” Cuomo said. “The question then goes to: why do you need this? What is it about someone being gay or someone wanting to marry someone of the same sex — what is there in that that is keeping you from being the Christian you want to be?…If I said, Mr. Sprigg, you must go marry a man right now, you can say, no, that’s a violation of my faith. Maybe that, you would be able clear this burden. But how is wanting to judge others somehow stopping you from practicing your faith?”

The upshot? We’re not crazy here, kids. Everyone sees this. The haters just don’t want to say it out loud.

Forward.

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Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Will Seek To “Clarify” Newly Passed “License To Discriminate” Law

Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana

After a week of scorching backlash over the passage of Indiana’s “license to discriminate” law – SB101 – Gov Mike Pence has announced he intends to file new legislation to “clarify” the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

Pence says he didn’t anticipate the “hostility” that has been leveled at the state over the anti-gay legislation. He declined to provide details about the upcoming “clarification” but said that making LGBT Indiana residents a protected legal class is “not on my agenda.”

Pence said repeatedly that the intense blowback against the new law is the result of a “misunderstanding driven by misinformation,” and disputes the law allows state-sanctioned anti-LGBT discrimination.

Freedom Indiana finds Pence’s response a bit on the disingenuous side, as campaign manager Katie Blair issued the following statement:

“You can’t ‘clarify’ discrimination. Indiana now has billions of dollars and thousands of jobs on the line, all because the Governor wouldn’t stop this dangerous bill. He has a second chance to save our reputation for Hoosier hospitality, but he has to stand up and protect LGBT Hoosiers.

“Discrimination is not a core Hoosier value, and we can’t afford to let our state continue to suffer. Please, Governor, listen to the voices of common sense and reason trying to get through to you. Fix the bill to protect all Hoosiers, and make it clear our state is open for business again.”

HRC’s Chad Griffin chimed in via Twitter:

And Lambda Legal offered this bit of free advice:

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Indiana: NBA Legend Charles Barkley Calls Foul On SB101

Indiana’s SB101, signed into law Thursday by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R), has former NBA legend Charles Barkley calling for the NCAA to move the NCAA Final Four tournament out of Indiana.

The newly enacted law “prohibits state or local governments from substantially burdening a person’s ability to exercise their religion,” according to The Indianapolis Star.

In essence, the law gives businesses a legal foundation to refuse service to LGBT individuals in the name of religious freedom.

“Discrimination in any form is unacceptable to me,” Barkley said in a statement Friday afternoon. “As long as anti-gay legislation exists in any state, I strongly believe big events such as the Final Four and Super Bowl should not be held in those states’ cities.”

In addition, another former NBA star – Reggie Miller – tweeted his disappointment over “legalized” discrimination in his adopted home state.

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Indiana: Angie’s List Rethinks $40 Million Expansion Due To SB101

The popular business review website, Angie’s List, has been based in Indianapolis, Indiana, since 1995.

The $315 million corporation has had a $40 million renovation on it’s schedule, which would include moving the main offices across town and adding 1000 new jobs over five years.

Now, however, it seems that the state lawmakers and Republican Governor Mike Pence’s new Indiana “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” have put those renovations (and the $40 million in economic impact to the city) on hold.

“Angie’s List is open to all and discriminates against none and we are hugely disappointed in what this bill represents,” CEO Bill Oesterle said in a statement today, adding, the expansion is “on hold until we fully understand the implications of the freedom restoration act on our employees, both current and future.”

The company announcement added it “will begin reviewing alternatives for the expansion of its headquarters immediately.”

Good job, Gov. Mike Pence and legislators.

You’re really doing a heck of a job.

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Seattle Mayor Ed Murray Bans City-Funded Travel To Indiana

Mayor Ed Murray with George Takei

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced a ban on travel to Indiana by city officials today, in light of the passage of Indiana’s anti-gay “license to discriminate” legislation – S.B. 101.

“Seattleites know that discrimination has no place in our City – that’s just equality 101.” – Seattle Mayor Ed Murray

Via press release:

Indiana’s S.B. 101 doesn’t reflect the values of our City. Seattle has been a leader in the fight to protect civil rights and ensure equality for all people – no matter who you are, or who you love. This is why I am ordering that none of our taxpayer dollars should go toward supporting this discriminatory law. To those in Indiana today who are working hard in the fight for equality – know that Seattle stands with you as you continue your efforts to end discrimination and protect civil rights for everyone.

The executive action will ban all work-related and city-funded travel to the state of Indiana.

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has issued a similar executive order for his city, and more are lining up.

According to King5 News, Mayor Murray made his announcement after meeting with actor and LGBT activists George Takei and his husband Brad Altman last evening.

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Indiana Restaurant Owner Is Happy To Turn Gay Customers Away

Kids, this is the honest face of discrimination. Ryan is proud that he doesn’t want gay dollars at his place of business.

I’m a little heartbroken to hear this, but I feel I have to post it because it’s real. This is what gay folks face.

Interesting that “Ryan” believes in his position but is afraid to say the name of his establishment on the air… Just saying. Courage in profile.

Radio hosts Kyle & Rachel were discussing the ‘Religious Freedom’ bill today when they received a call from a local business owner, Ryan, who not only supports the bill 100% but refused service to a gay couple before.

“Ryan” was so honest with his answers that he mentioned he once blamed a mechanical failure in the kitchen in order to refuse service to a gay couple!