New Indiana Bill Would Protect Gays

The proposed “fix” to Indiana’s religious freedom law would specify that it “cannot be used as a legal defense to discriminate against residents based on their sexual orientation,” the Indianapolis Star reports. Republican lawmakers have taken the draft to Gov. Mike Pence, who requested the fix on Tuesday. The language does not go so far as to make gays and lesbians a protected class under state law. The proposed fix would exempt churches and nonprofit religious organizations. The language will still have to pass Indiana’s Republican-controlled house and senate. Democrats want the religion law replaced by anti-discrimination legislation for gays and lesbians.