Indiana Religious Freedom Bill
Monique Ellis
Background Information
The Indiana Religious bill is a law in the state of Indiana, which allows individuals and companies to assert that their exercise of religion, has been, or is likely to be substantially burdened as a defense in legal proceedings. Thursday March 26, 2015, Indiana Governor Mike Pence speaks to press members regarding the bill. He announces that he will be signing the bill and it will take effect on July 1st, 2015. Indiana is the 20th state to adopt this bill. Governor Pence says he signed the bill to support the freedom of religion for every Hoosier of every faith.
Media Perspectives
One Perspective
There were many controversies about the bill. Many people thought it targeted same sex marriages. They also said the government was discriminating against "gays," and didn't protect religious freedoms. The Hoosiers of Indiana have been rallying, writing letters and calling the statehouse to express their opinions.
The Other Perspective
Indiana's Governor Mike Pence insists that the bill is not about discrimination. He says, "If I thought it legalized discrimination in any way in Indiana, I would have vetoed it." Governor Pence says, "the new law is about respecting and reassuring Hoosiers that their religious freedoms are intact."
Biases
"It basically says to a group of people you're second rate, you don't matter, I don't have to serve you if i don't want to." Minority Leader Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City
"It's important we allow our citizens to hold religious beliefs, maybe even those we might be appalled by, and to beable to express those." Representative Tom Washburne, Ringlefield.
Those who approved this bill were mainly Republicans; no Democrats approved of it.
Cultural Criticism
I think this story represents cultural criticism. It's cultural criticism because it affects many people religion and culture aspects. The bill has angered and outraged many people but it also has it purposes. It been a culture shock for Indiana. Many people have to adjust to this new bill.
My Opinion
I disapprove of the bill and does not agree with it at all. It has caused many controversies and it's more on the discrimination side. The Government has gotten to involved and it wasn't there place to approve of a bill that targets certain people. I know Governor Pence didn't mean any discrimination or any harm to people but that's how it came off. Although, they re-worded the bill, it still affects many people and the people around them. You should be able to have relationships with whom you choose without being treated differently.
Indiana Approves RFRA