Yesterday, the Indiana state Senate voted 40-10 in favor of bill SB 101 that allows private businesses, individuals and organizations to refuse services for same-sex weddings because of religious beliefs. It now heads to the House.

According to the Bill

Religious freedom restoration. Prohibits a governmental entity from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless the governmental entity can demonstrate that the burden: (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering the compelling governmental interest. Provides a procedure for remedying a violation. Specifies that the religious freedom law applies to the implementation or application of a law regardless of whether the state or any other governmental entity or official is a party to a proceeding implementing or applying the law.

Cause and Effect

Many are arguing that this bill will have negative effects on Indiana as a whole and will dissuade many large corporations from bringing business to the state as well as allow blatant discrimination against the gay community.

According to 106-1 KISS FM Morning Show host, Kat Mykals

"I think that it is an atrocity that a bill like this has been signed into law. I believe that it opens a Pandora’s Box of potential problems in the future. Personally, I would not support a business that discriminated against someone based on their religion. I would not support a business that discriminated against someone for the color of their skin. And I certainly will not support a business that discriminates against a person because of their sexual orientation. This legislation is disheartening to say the least BUT if a business is allowed to exercise their "rights" by denying services because of another person’s sexual orientation, then I can exercise my rights by spending my money elsewhere. ‪ #‎IWillBoycottBigotry"

However, many others praise Indiana law-makers for upholding religious freedom.

This is Vague

I am not one to blindly follow the crowd in any direction. I am afraid many jump on a bandwagon without weighing both sides or gathering all the facts. Personally, I have more questions about the bill and rhetorical discussion questions before I could make a conscious decision about it.

  • Should a pastor or church be forced to host and perform a same-sex marriage or any marriage they are not comfortable with performing? If a bill was passed preventing businesses and individuals from refusing service, would churches and pastors be exempt?
  • Would this bill allow discrimination based on gender, race and religion as well since an individual's belief system is hard to define?
  • How much should government intervene on a small business or individual's rights?
  • How far can you go with this bill? Does it just cover weddings or will it apply to all forms of services LBGT want or need?
  • Did we just calibrate the Flux Capacitor re-enter 1964?

I am torn because I am a practicing Christian and do believe in our practicing religious freedom here in the USA, whatever that may be. I would not want to see any church or business serving in a way that violates their personal faith convictions. However, I too am afraid this bill would open Pandora's Box and not be used in a way it was intended. Discrimination is not a Christian value. Jesus' own words are clear:

"Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:34-35)

Make Your Voice Heard

So, the big question is, what can I do about all this? You are invited to Meet Your Legislators this Saturday and voice your concerns.

"The public is invited to attend “Meet Your Legislators” Saturday, February 28th @ 9:00 a.m. in Studio B of Davis Hall on the Vincennes University Campus.

If you have a question for the Legislators you can email it anytime this week to: wvut@vinu.edu or phone in your questions the day of the show to 812-888-5334.

The show will be televised on WVUT 22.1 and streamed live on our home page WVUT Live Event Streaming Link at the bottom right of the page. The show will be rebroadcast that same day at 8:00pm.

Legislators Invited to Attend:
Mark Messmer – State Senator District 48, Bruce Borders – State Representative District 45, Eric Bassler – State Senator District 39, Tom Washburne – State Representative District 64, Mike Braun – State Representative District 63."

If you can't attend, take our poll and tell us what you think. We'll repost your thoughts to our site.

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