Indiana House Overwhelmingly Passes Controversial, but Solid ‘Religious Freedom Restoration Act’

AFA controversial Indiana bill that could protect business owners who don’t want to provide services for same-sex couples moved closer to law on Monday, after passage by the state’s House.

Senate Bill 101, known as the “Religious Freedom Restoration Act,” was approved by the Republican-controlled House by 63-31. A version was previously passed by the Republican-controlled Senate, and Republican Governor Mike Pence said he will sign it.

“The legislation, SB 101, is about respecting and reassuring Hoosiers that their religious freedoms are intact,” Pence said in a statement. The bill will now go back to the Senate and if that chamber concurs with the House version, it will go to Pence for being signed into law.

Supporters of the law say it will keep government entities from forcing business owners – such as bakeries and florists who don’t want to provide services to gay couples – from acting in ways contrary to strongly held religious beliefs. Gay marriage became legal in Indiana last year following an appellate court ruling. (Read more from “Indiana House Passes Controversial ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill” HERE)

Follow Joe Miller on Twitter HERE and Facebook HERE.