Indiana companies, groups speak out against RFRA revisions
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Despite Governor Mike Pence signing off on the proposed changes to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, different companies and groups are speaking out against the revision.
From Indiana Right to Life saying there wasn’t anything wrong with the law to begin with to Angie’s List still hoping to see that the governor will repeal RFRA.
It’s been almost a week since Angie’s List announced plans to cancel expansions on the near east side of Indianapolis over the controversy.
The company’s CEO Bill Oesterle issued a statement Thursday saying, “Our position is that this “fix” is insufficient. There was no repeal of RFRA and no end to discrimination of homosexuals in Indiana. Employers in most of the state of Indiana can fire a person simply for being Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning. That’s just not right and that’s the real issue here. Our employees deserve to live, work and travel with open accommodations in any part of the state.”
Meanwhile, Freedom Indiana believes the proposed change is a step moving forward. The group advocating for human equality ultimately wants to see full protection for LGBT under Indiana law.
But the proposed fix may be a little too late for companies like SalesForce. With an office in Indianapolis, the company is offering packages for employees to relocate.
“I just got an email on the way to the studio from another employee who said, ‘Look, I don’t feel comfortable living in this state anymore. You have got to move me out,’ and I gave him a $50,000 relocation package and said, ‘Great, you’re clear to go,” said CEO Marc Benioff, SalesForce.
Groups like the Indiana Catholic Conference is also questioning the protection of religious freedom saying in part quote, “While well-intentioned, the changes may undermine religious freedom. What’s the definition of limitation of a “religious freedom”? Are professionals… such as physicians included? Does a “non-profit religious organization” include hospitals?”
One of the men who supported the original RFRA law addressed the media Thursday.
Eric Miller with Advance America is against the amendments. He says the government shouldn’t force a person to violate their religious beliefs, and they should not face penalty for refusing services.