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Pence Doubles Down on Discrimination

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Pence Doubles Down on Discrimination

 Indiana Gov. Mike Pence had promised a new plan on LGBT rights in tonight’s “State of the State” speech.

Instead, tonight Pence offered no plan, refusing to endorse legislation on LGBT rights and doubling down on the pro-discrimination policy that brought Indiana national embarrassment last year. Pence has been “studying the issue” for nearly 200 days.

“Mike Pence has embarrassed Indiana again,” said Jared Leopold, Communications Director at the DGA. “Tonight, he doubled down on his job-killing discrimination policy and refused to clean up the mess he made. Hoosiers want a governor who will solve problems and support job creation in Indiana. Governor Pence has failed at both.”

BACKGROUND

Associated Press: Pence “Signed Into Law A Religious Objections Bill That Some Convention Organizers And Business Leaders… Opposed Amid Concern It Could Allow Discrimination Against Gay People.” “Indiana Gov. Mike Pence on Thursday signed into law a religious objections bill that some convention organizers and business leaders have opposed amid concern it could allow discrimination against gay people. Indiana is the first state to enact such a change this year among about a dozen where such proposals have been introduced. The measure would prohibit state and local laws that ‘substantially burden’ the ability of people — including businesses and associations — to follow their religious beliefs.” [Associated Press, 3/26/15]

Business Opposed to RFRA Bill Included Indiana Chamber of Commerce as Well as Several Large Employers Including Tech Giant Salesforce, Engine Maker Cummins, Health-Care Provider Eskenazi Health and Pharmaceutical Company Eli Lilly and Co. According to the Indianapolis Star, “Tech giant Salesforce.com has joined a growing list of companies who are standing in opposition to the ‘religious freedom’ bill currently making its way through the Indiana legislature. In a letter to the Indiana General Assembly, Scott McCorkle, CEO of the Salesforce Marketing Cloud, warns that the legislation threatens future growth in Indiana. He goes on to say that the bill removes protection from discrimination, ultimately damaging the states’ economy and business environment. […] The Indiana Chamber and several large Indiana employers — including engine maker Cummins, health-care provider Eskenazi Health and pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Co. — have already voiced concerns about the measure’s impact on their businesses.” [Indianapolis Star, 3/19/15Reuters, 3/25/15]

 

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