Post by Logan on Jan 13, 2016 18:11:16 GMT -6
Indiana Governor Mike Pence Will Guard ‘Religious Freedom’ at the Expense of LGBT Rights
After much speculation as to where Indiana Governor Mike Pence would come down on two proposed LGBT Civil Rights Bills currently being debated in the Hoosier State, Pence on Tuesday night made clear that he prioritizes so-called “religious freedom” above LGBT rights.
Speaking before state lawmakers in his annual State of the State address, Pence said, “I will not support any bill that diminishes the religious freedom of Hoosiers or interferes with the constitutional rights of our citizens to live out their beliefs in worship, service or work.” He added that state lawmakers will need to decide “whether it is necessary or even possible” to balance LGBT rights with so-called “religious freedom.”
Indy Star reports:
Freedom Indiana said of Pence’s stance, “This is a complete letdown.”
Continue reading at www.towleroad.com/2016/01/mikepence_lgbt/ .
After much speculation as to where Indiana Governor Mike Pence would come down on two proposed LGBT Civil Rights Bills currently being debated in the Hoosier State, Pence on Tuesday night made clear that he prioritizes so-called “religious freedom” above LGBT rights.
Speaking before state lawmakers in his annual State of the State address, Pence said, “I will not support any bill that diminishes the religious freedom of Hoosiers or interferes with the constitutional rights of our citizens to live out their beliefs in worship, service or work.” He added that state lawmakers will need to decide “whether it is necessary or even possible” to balance LGBT rights with so-called “religious freedom.”
Indy Star reports:
[Pence] asserted that Indiana is already “an open and welcoming state that respects everyone” and said he believes “that no one should be harassed or mistreated because of who they are, who they love, or what they believe.”
“And,” he added later, “no one should ever fear persecution because of their deeply held religious beliefs.” […]
“He has chosen his side — the religious extremists. The people who really do not believe that gay and lesbian Hoosiers should be entitled to equal rights. And he is certainly entitled to do that, but I think politically it was suicide,” said Sheila Suess Kennedy, a professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and former director of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union.
Paul Helmke, a former Republican mayor of Fort Wayne and now an Indiana University professor, said Pence was “trying to have it both ways.”
“He clearly sides with the evangelical side of the issue, but I think he left the door open a little,” Helmke said. “I think it does put the business community on notice that he’s leaning more the other way, but there’s still possibly a chance they can get something through.”
“And,” he added later, “no one should ever fear persecution because of their deeply held religious beliefs.” […]
“He has chosen his side — the religious extremists. The people who really do not believe that gay and lesbian Hoosiers should be entitled to equal rights. And he is certainly entitled to do that, but I think politically it was suicide,” said Sheila Suess Kennedy, a professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and former director of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union.
Paul Helmke, a former Republican mayor of Fort Wayne and now an Indiana University professor, said Pence was “trying to have it both ways.”
“He clearly sides with the evangelical side of the issue, but I think he left the door open a little,” Helmke said. “I think it does put the business community on notice that he’s leaning more the other way, but there’s still possibly a chance they can get something through.”
Freedom Indiana said of Pence’s stance, “This is a complete letdown.”
Continue reading at www.towleroad.com/2016/01/mikepence_lgbt/ .