RFRA takes effect, sparks protest rally

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was called a license to discriminate.

That led to a new law that gives legal protections to gays and lesbians in cities where a human rights ordinance is in place.

But while the controversy has died down, it is not going away.

The giant rallies that were seen in March and April are gone. Barely two dozen people showed up at the Statehouse Wednesday, on the day the law took effect, but they sent a very simple message that this is not going away.

Angie Alexander helped organize the rally. She said a manager at her job discriminated against her when talking with new employees.

“She would let them know, hey, we do have a gay black preacher up there,” Alexander said.

She told the rally that she lost the job.

“So I will say Indiana in fact does have cases of discrimination,” Alexander said, “and I am one.”

It’s why RFRA will still be the motivation for pursuit of a statewide human rights amendment.

“At no time, ever, was my faith or anyone else’s faith threatened at all,” said civil rights activist Rick Sutton. “It’s a paper tiger who was put in front of the people and the Indiana legislature believed it.”

It’s a sentiment also directed at the governor who was focusing on jobs Wednesday.

Mike Pence wanted to talk about how the RFRA controversy has been overcome.

“You see the growth in the Indiana economy in April and May is a testament to the resilience of Hoosiers,” he said, “the resilience of Indiana businesses and the strength of our economy, and as we go forward ensuring that we are a state that respects the dignity and worth of every individual.”

But Angie Alexander wants that written into state law.

“I’m still dealing with discrimination,” she said, “but I can’t come to Indiana as an aid because there’s no protected class there.”

It was a smaller, quieter rally with a message that hasn’t changed.