Religious Freedom Under Attack in Indiana

GUEST POST BY JOSHUA DENTON  |  FOLLOW JOSH ON TWITTER

Background

On March 26, 2015 Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (SEA 101) into law. Click here for the full text of RFRA.

Since its passage, lawmakers, and policy experts have been under fire for their support of this bill. After becoming a law, this opposition has intensified and Governor Mike Pence has taken an immense amount of heat for signing RFRA. Why is there so much dispute and outrage over RFRA’s adoption?

The Facts

RFRA provides freedom to all Hoosiers equally.  The Religious Freedom Restoration Act applies the legal standard of strict scrutiny to cases in which state action has burdened religious exercise.  Strict scrutiny is a well-established legal standard that simply means if sincerely held religious beliefs are burdened substantially by state action, such action must involve a compelling state interest that is achieved or met in the least restrictive means.

Discrimination is a horrible term.  However, this law has nothing to do with discrimination. It does not permit, endorse, or support discrimination against gays, homosexuals, etc.  RFRA is about religious liberty, not gay marriage or discrimination.  In fact there are even supporters of gay rights, and same-sex marriage who also support the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

RFRA is a positive safeguard measure that is good for the citizenry. Put simply, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act enhances and promotes freedom. Here are 10 cases where bills like the one recently adopted by Indiana have helped individuals from diverse backgrounds: thefederalist.com/2015/03/30/meet-10-americans-helped-by-religious-freedom-bills-like-indianas

For more facts on RFRA, click here.

Support Mike Pence, RFRA, and Those Taking A Stand

RFRA was designed to empower individuals and protect the rights of all.  It expands, strengthens and undergirds religious liberty across the Hoosier State. 

The maligning of Indiana, Indiana’s lawmakers, and its great Governor by a hyper-active super minority of individuals, over adoption of this common legal standard contained in RFRA is a shameless step that suppresses vital liberties which should be available to all citizens. 

Governor Mike Pence has stated that he stands by this law.  Please encourage Governor Pence by letting him know that you will stand with him through the intense opposition he faces. 

By Phone: 
317-232-4567

By Mail: 
Office of the Governor
Statehouse
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2797

Thank you for doing your part to preserve and protect religious freedom in Indiana and across the nation!

Sign the Petition thanking Indiana for Supporting Religious Freedom​​

Original post by Joshua Denton at familiesforreformation.org/rfra.html.  Used with permission.
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