Lawmakers in Indiana and Arkansas are backpedaling on recent legislation that some perceive as discriminatory against gays and lesbians. TO BEGIN, the religious freedom laws seem unnecessary at best, and punitive at worst. IN ANOTHER generation this issue will be fodder for a good laugh. Increasingly, younger generations turn a blind eye to one’s sexual preferences as potential stumbling blocks.
Threats by sizable businesses canceling contracts have the lawmakers fearful they may have gone overboard.
So it’s money, not moral outrage, that’s getting legislators back to the table.
In Arkansas, Gov. Asa Hutchinson has asked for changes to a recently constructed religious freedom law after Walmart, the state’s largest employer, recommended the governor veto the law in its current form. Walmart says the law’s intent would put off potential employees.
Indiana’s Gov. Mike Pence also has been pressured by big business to nix its Religious Freedom Restoration Act. NASCAR, the NCAA, Starbucks, Apple, the NBA and Angie’s List are just a few of the businesses who have come out against the legislation.
Both governors say the new laws serve as protection against being forced to provide a service to someone whose lifestyles go against their religion.
Others say this is an “out” to discrimination.
University educators in Indiana are concerned about the image the law will project to prospective students and faculty.
Such a law goes counter to the essence of education: the free exchange of ideas in a climate of inclusiveness.
On the business front, Starbucks, for instance, says it needs to be assured Indiana doesn’t pull in the welcome mat when it comes to the LGBT community.
Host of now seven NCAA Men’s Final Four basketball tournaments, Indianapolis representatives are worried Monday’s might be their last if such a law were enacted.
The news has other venues salivating at the chance to host the lucrative event.
Angie’s List, the job search engine, said plans to expand its Indianapolis site are “on hold,” unless the legislation is reworked.
In Connecticut, all state travel to Indiana and any other states that enact such laws was blocked as a sign of protest.
Supporters of the law see this as an antidote to what they fear may become the law of the land if the U.S. Supreme Court approves same-sex marriage in a decision expected this summer.
At least, they say, they’ll be able use the cloak of religion to “protect” themselves.
For now, let’s remember how we are all more alike than different and use that as our focus to be better neighbors.
— Susan Lynn
Big business pressures governors to backtrack on religious rulings
