Indiana’s Religious Freedom Law Gets a setback

Celebrities, companies and local and state governments have taken a stand against Indiana’s religious freedom law.

Critics of Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act call the law discriminatory, allowing businesses to refuse service to LGBT people.

Some governments have banned the use of taxpayer money to fund city employees’ travel to Indiana while some celebrities have canceled upcoming appearances in the state.

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Connecticut

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Governor Dannel Malloy banned state-funded travel to states that enacted religious freedom laws.

Connecticut has a long tradition of being at the forefront of protecting civil rights, as well as religious freedom; state law explicitly prohibits governmental entities from burdening the exercise of religion, while also protecting against discrimination, such as discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Washington

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Governor Jay Inslee imposed an administration-wide ban on travel to Indiana.

I find Indiana’s new law disturbing, particularly at a time when more and more states and people in America are embracing civil rights for everyone. Washington will join other states and cities in opposing this law and I will impose an administration-wide ban on state funded travel to Indiana….We in Washington stand for equality.

I applaud those companies and organizations that have spoken out against the law and said they would not locate or expand operations in Indiana. I want to invite all those organizations, and anyone interested in a state that promotes equality and opportunity, to come visit Washington. We are open for business, and open to all people.

New York

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Governor Andrew Cuomo issued a statement banning publicly funded travel to Indiana.

“New York State has been, and will continue to be, a leader in ensuring that all LGBT persons enjoy full and equal civil rights. With this action, we stand by our LBGT family members, friends and colleagues to ensure that their rights are respected.”

Wednesday, April 01, 2015