Tag: license to discriminate

Posted on

White House Comments On Anti-Gay “License To Discriminate” Law In Indiana

White House press secretary Josh Earnest addressed the recent anti-gay “Religious Freedom Restoration Act” in Indiana to reporters today.

Via MetroWeekly:

“I have seen that there are a number of private businesses and nonprofit organizations that have said that the signing of this law prompts them to reconsider doing business in the state of Indiana,” Earnest said. “All those business and some of those who are considering having conventions in Indiana have raised concerns about whether all of their employees can count on being treated fairly in Indiana.

“I think that is a testament to the kind of reaction I think a lot of people all across the country had, which is that the signing of the bill doesn’t seem like it’s a step in the direction of equality and justice and liberty for all Americans. Again, that’s not just the view of the administration, I know that’s the view of the Republican mayor of Indianapolis and a whole host of nonprofit and private sector companies who have legitimate concerns about the impact of this legislation.”

Posted on

San Francisco Mayor Bans Travel By City Staff To Indiana

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has decided to halt all non-essential travel on the city’s behalf to the state of Indiana over the “license to discriminate” legislation signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence yesterday.

Via press release:

“We stand united as San Franciscans to condemn Indiana’s new discriminatory law, and will work together to protect the civil rights of all Americans including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

“Effective immediately, I am directing City Departments under my authority to bar any publicly-funded City employee travel to the State of Indiana that is not absolutely essential to public health and safety.

“San Francisco taxpayers will not subsidize legally-sanctioned discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people by the State of Indiana.”

Posted on

Indiana Set To Pass “License To Discriminate” This Monday

Indiana is set to pass it’s “license to discriminate” legislation against LGBT folks this Monday according to Buzzfeed.

The bill basically allows businesses to turn away LGBT customers based on their “sincerely held religious beliefs.” In other words, if you don’t like gays – just say you’re Christian and you don’t have to serve them.

“I would predict the bill passes on Monday,” Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma told BuzzFeed News in a phone interview Thursday.

Described by one of his critics as “the most powerful person in Indiana when the legislature is in session,” Bosma had just wrapped up a House vote in which his Republican majority shot down six amendments to soften the bill, all from Democrats, in 60-to-30 votes. “I think the votes on the amendments were a strong sign of how the bill will fare in final passage,” said Bosma.

Bosma has tentatively scheduled a final vote for Monday, March 23.

At a news conference earlier this week, Gov. Mike Pence said, “I strongly support the legislation and will sign it if it reaches my desk.”