Sunday alcohol sales, religious freedom bills face votes

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Indiana House is nearing a deadline to vote on the bill that would lift the state’s ban on Sunday carryout alcohol sales.

House leaders put off a vote on the bill until at least Tuesday and face a Wednesday deadline for taking action to keep the proposal alive.

The bill would lift Indiana’s 80-year-old ban on Sunday sales. But grocery stores and pharmacies would face tougher requirements allowing beer and wine sales in one designated store area, with liquor kept behind a service counter.

The state Senate could also vote Tuesday on a contentious proposal supporters say would ensure people and businesses could refuse services for same-sex weddings because of religious beliefs. Some business leaders argue the proposal could hurt the state’s reputation and efforts to attract companies.