Indiana governor: ‘We’re not going to change the law’

[William769]

Source: LGBTQ Nation

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence defended the new state law that’s garnered widespread criticism over concerns it could foster discrimination and said Sunday it wasn’t a mistake to have enacted it.

Pence appeared on ABC’s “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” to discuss the measure he signed last week prohibiting state laws that “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The definition of “person” includes religious institutions, businesses and associations.

Since the Republican signed the bill into law Thursday, Indiana has been widely criticized by businesses and organizations around the nation, as well as on social media with the hashtag #boycottindiana.

Already, consumer review service Angie’s List has said it will suspend a planned expansion in Indianapolis because of the new law.

Read more: http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2015/03/indiana-governor-were-not-going-to-change-the-law/

---

And we are not going to stop fighting or boycotting until you do or the law gets overturned by the courts.

To my fellow brothers & sisters of Indiana, know that we stand with you.

[silvershadow]

1. He is a Dominionist it seems. nt

[RKP5637]

17. Much like Gov. Brownback of Kansas, so I've heard. n/t

[workinclasszero]

64. We have to stop these Dominionists and their sharia laws

before its to late.

BOYCOTT Indiana!!!!

[William King]

74. If you want to stop the Dominionists...

...those of us who are aware of them and see them as not only a threat but take the threat they pose very seriously need to pull together into an anti-dominionist movement. It has to be a movement composed of people with backbone and courage and who are bold and not afraid of getting in their faces. The Dominionists see their agenda as war against those they consider undesirables. That means the rest of us. If we allow them to gain control then it is game over. We must not allow them to get what they want. Organization people, organization!

So who is in? Who among you take the threat Dominionists pose seriously and seriously want to do something about it? Or am I just a voice crying in the wilderness and I am wasting my time trying to warn people and get them motivated to fight in this war? If so then we can all just sit and wait for the Dominionists to take control of our government and order their jack-booted thugs to drag us all to a concentration/death camp for "sinners?"

[Cooley Hurd]

2. Dumb as a post...

It's already blowing up, and dumb ol' Mike doubles down. He's even STUPIDER than I've ever thought he was (and that's saying alot!).

[RKP5637]

44. He just doesn't get it that much of the world is laughing at him for being so stupid and inapt! n/t

[TheCowsCameHome]

3. Maybe you aren't going to, MIke, but others surely will.

Mark my words, when Indiana businesses begin to suffer, big changes will happen.

You heard it here first.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

4. NOt giving them business is one thing, sure wish we could punish each person in support of the law

somehow

legally of course

[world wide wally]

5. Move the Final Four!

[Bluzmann57]

14. Moving the Final Four would be nearly impossible

Tickets have been sold, hotel reservations have been made, and so on. These sites are picked years in advance. What would be really cool is if the athletes and/or coaches themselves would make some sort of statements about the new discriminatory laws.

[world wide wally]

21. Yeah, it would create quite a mess, wouldn't it?

[tblue37]

67. Refuse to consider Indiana for future Fina Four tournaments. nt

[TheCowsCameHome]

15. Don't move it, use it as a forum

to get the word out in front of national cameras.

[caraher]

19. At this stage that would be the best case scenario

I wonder how many players, coaches, etc. will be brave enough - I imagine any kind of statement will be discouraged.

[mpcamb]

42. I think those are the 2 choices- move it or use it as a forum.

Coaches, schools, sponsors don't want to make it a forum. At this late date it won't get moved.

Wish we had the email of Mark Emmert, NCAA President, to fill up his mailbox with reasons why he ought to act forcefully.
In the end the best hope might be for the athletes themselves to embarrass the NCAA and the state government in Indiana.

[workinclasszero]

65. Right, there should be massive protests outside the stadium

I know there are thousands of Indiana residents that oppose this heinous law.

Let your voices be heard!

[The CCC]

36. Move the Final Four!

That is just a good beginning move the headquarters of the NCAA, and change the location of the Indy 500 just for starters.

[It is Tuesday]

6. Wait till the states offer better benefits - like full protection of rights, and better tax breaks..

would let major companies uproot their roots in Indiana and move elsewhere..

It'll be truly what it's called - the Armpit of the United States..

(No offense to the Hoosiers - you got dealt a bad card)

[BumRushDaShow]

7. So he's flip-flopping around

like a fish. I saw the story posted yesterday about his asking the state legislature to look at modifying the law. And today he's doubling down "in pulbic". The OP article does have this caveat similar to what I saw yesterday...

Pence said he’ll look at a bill to clarify the law’s intent if lawmakers send him one. He also told the Indianapolis Star on Saturday that he was in discussions with legislative leaders over the weekend and expects a clarification bill to be introduced in the coming week.

He may be toast soon if the state legislature doesn't amend this.

[Android3.14]

8. Consequences shmansequences

And they are coming right at the state you were supposed to lead.

[asiliveandbreathe]

9. The NCAA could move the championship gane

just treat it like they do when snow causes a roof to collapse...where there is a will there is a way....

[merrily]

10. Pence complains that people supporting equality are being intolerant of Indiana?

Gee, I sure hope no one supporting equality for human beings made the State of Indiana cry.

Could he be more disingenuous?

[LiberalElite]

18. I'm intolerant of

a certain new law in Indiana. It's against my religion. What's the problem?

[smirkymonkey]

24. Governor Shit-for-Brains really doesn't see the hypocrisy

of his words, does he? God what an ass-tard!

[glinda]

40. He did it because he could and does not care.

[merrily]

60. Yep. Hypocrisy and disingenuousness are part of his job description.

[merrily]

56. I think he does see it.

[glinda]

62. Yes. We need to stop making excuses for these people.

[merrily]

63. Americans are sometimes too naive about ascribing bad motives.

It's part of our charm (and I do not mean that sarcastically), but it's dangerous. People who get elected to high offices probably aren't really much dumber than the average political message board poster. If we are tempted to assume that stupidity or naivete or the like or being too nice is the primary reason for their behavior, we should probably give it a second thought.

Not saying everyone who gets elected to higher office is infallible, just saying, give it a second thought.

[Trillo]

11. So, it seems consumers should boycott anything made in Indiana.

Also Arkansas.

Has anyone compiled a comprehensive list of brand names so those of us who don't support religious hatred can do a little targeted boycotting when we go shopping?

[Dont call me Shirley]

13. And Arizona!

[Zorra]

29. The Arizona governor did not sign the AZ bill because of threats of boycotts. nt

[Dont call me Shirley]

50. A veto then?

[Dont call me Shirley]

12. You are the mistake pence, you and everyone who thinks and acts like you.

We are not going to live your ignorant Christian sharia law!

[KansDem]

16. Perhaps I'm naive, but I have a question about this law...

So this law essentially allows businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians because of religious beliefs? How is it "enforced"? If I'm working a sandwich counter and someone comes in who I suspect is gay or lesbian, can I not do business with that person?

And if "yes," how do I determine if that person is gay or lesbian? "Gut instinct?"

Let's say Indiana Gov. Mike Pence enters my shop and orders a sandwich. Can I refuse to sell to him because I suspect he's gay?

Pence: I'd like a ham and swiss on rye.
Me: Forget it! You're gay! I'm not doing business with you!
Pence: I'm not gay!
Me: My religious beliefs tell me you are, now get out of here before I call the police!

Is this a plausible scenario?

Are we going to see future laws defining "legitimate religions" (i.e., a list provided by the state) that can discriminate?

[RKP5637]

20. I think your last sentence is exactly what's going to happen as this continues, and the

list of "It's OK to Discriminate" will grow and grow.

[BrotherIvan]

33. I'd like the answer to this question as well

Since the Supreme Court opened the floodgates with religious objection to birth control and abortion and "closely-held religious beliefs" being held by a corporate entity, the natural conclusion was this law.

So how does it work? We hear about possible LGBT discrimination, but it could also include anything that sort of pisses off a WHITE Christian

Discrimination against race - Black, brown, Middle Eastern, Asian, etc.
Other religions - Muslim, Jewish, Pagan, etc.
Mixed race couples
Disabled people who need accomodation
Women not dressed to their liking
Tattoos because it is the mark of the Beast
Non-native English speakers

The list goes on and on. Does this law supercede all anti-discrimination laws and only if the person falls into a specially protected class? Or does a law such as this mean that any business owner can discriminate against anyone for any reason?

[erronis]

37. And it's not just the WHITE xians who can deny service

If someone wearing a cross on a necklace around its [stet] neck, as an avowed Atheist (Orthodox), I can refuse to give them service including using the restrooms.

I'm beginning to actually like this bill. I bet there are a lot more intelligent people who happen to believe in freedom of thought than there are religious bigots. When 60% of the companies and staff refuse to serve these bigots, change will happen.

[BrotherIvan]

43. I really doubt that Atheism is covered

I think that is the plan.

How does one prove one's religion or system of belief? Does one just have to say so? Is it going to church or a note from a priest/minister/rabbi? A receipt for tithing? What constitutes a religion? This bill is the very definition of a slippery slope.

[annominous]

73. I think you are incorrect.

At first, I thought you made a point. Then I realized that there is not an argument to be made that describes the "closely held religious beliefs" of atheists. We atheists don't have a book that describes in detail all the bad things we are allowed to do to other people if they aren't like us. There's no effective way to delineate our closely-held religious beliefs.

That's a real problem, and excludes atheists from any legal protection under this law if we were to do something bad to religious people.

Typical.

[jeff47]

55. The law has a "compelling interest" exemption

Which means if there's another law that bans discrimination, that supersedes this law.

So you can't use it to discrimination on the basis of race or sex. Or, ironically, religion. Those are protected by other laws, and those laws create that "compelling interest".

[BrotherIvan]

59. I believe that social conservatives will easily find a way to circumvent those laws

in the name of religion. The people who wrote these laws are working on it right now. As I said, I believe they will be able to discriminate based on "behavior" or whatever offends them that day. Do I think that many businesses will have the guts to do it? No. But many assured us that Hobby Lobby was isolated to that case, and they quote Hobby Lobby for this law. There is more to come.

[smirkymonkey]

45. That is an excellent point.

What if you refuse to serve someone based upon your erroneous assumption that they are gay, and it turns out that they are not. Can they turn around and sue you?

[PatrynXX]

22. ie welcome to Russia Indiana

sanctions put on Russia won't change until.....


boycotts put on Indiana won't change until......

[LittleGirl]

27. Indiana, the Mississippi of the Midwest n/t

[dhill926]

30. there actually is a Russiaville...

pronounced Roosherville of course….because….well, you know…

and it is red as hell...

[No Vested Interest]

23. That's okay, Mikey; you can double-down or the law can be changed.

Either way, the stink will remain in the air of Indiana for a long time.

[AikenYankee]

25. Can't believe these guys are

continually so out of touch.

[krispos42]

26. Then your successors will. n/t

[jtuck004]

28. When you call the KKK in Indiana, does it ring in the Governor's office? n/t

[Bohunk68]

41. +1,000

[Zorra]

31. Time to get serious. Human Rights Campaign website:

Please donate if you can spare the cash.

http://www.hrc.org/

[William769]

32. Thank's for the link.

[shenmue]

34. Governor: "I am a dumb-ass bigot"

"Now watch me get my ass sued off."

[S_B_Jackson]

35. The real issue, I think, is that Indiana does not include

sexual orientation among the classes who are specifically protected under anti-discrimination statutes.

Instead of fighting about RFRA (and let's face it, bills similar to it have been enacted at the federal level as well as in 19 other states), the issue should be to get an explicit protections for LGBT orientations under this and all other statutory enactments in IN.

[bbgrunt]

39. no. The issue should be that elevating religion above the

constitution is an affront to all--not just LGBT people.

[smirkymonkey]

46. Bingo!

Very slippery slope.

[Dawson Leery]

38. Orville Faubus' bastard child needs his states economy to pay for this.

[LuckyLib]

47. In the meantime, sent the following to Pence's guv website:

"Governor Pence --
I will be driving to the east coast in April and will be crossing Indiana to do so. I will make sure that I do not patronize one gas station or one business on the way through the state to my destination. Not one. I will not stay in a hotel in Indiana, nor will I stop at a park or rest stop. Not one dime to a state that legislates discrimination and proudly proclaims it as religious freedom. I am joining many Americans in a boycott of a state that promotes bigotry."

It's small, but my own personal boycott.

[roamer65]

48. Make sure u avoid the Indiana Toll Road as well.

Don't let them get one red cent from you. I am going to Chicago soon and I plan on driving the free roads without ANY spending money until I get into Illinois.
I have no problem stopping to use free rest facilities cuz it will cost them money.

[Chipper Chat]

57. You're safe using the toll road.

In a stupid move by former governor Mitch (tea Party) Daniels, the toll road and all its profit was sold to Spain and Australia 10 years ago. Not a dime goes to Indiana anymore. (But your intent is welcome).

[niyad]

68. send it to the state board of tourism as well.

[sheshe2]

49. He just earned the Bigot of the Week Award.

[William769]

51. ...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1017255333

[sheshe2]

52. Paid for by the Board of Terrible People

Great Video! Hey, we will keep on fighting for you William We will.

[William769]

53. Thank's sheshe.

Love the pics!

[sheshe2]

54. Love you. And.....

I sure as hell support you, William.

[Chipper Chat]

58. I wish COUNTDOWN was still on M$NBC.

Keith would certainly give Pence the Worst Person in the World award.

[JackBeck]

61. How is posting on a message board under an anonymous screen name creating change?

What is your ground game for Arkansas and Georgia for the coming week?

What organizing have you done in these states, let alone your own state?

You seem to have a lot of free time since you frequently post on this message board. How about doing something constructive like organizing folks to call their elected officials to lobby for what you believe in and then post your results?

[Zorra]

69. I'm LGBT and live in AZ. I posted on DU, and was also active in the struggle

to convince Brewer not to sign the law.

We won.

I'm a liberal, so I can easily multi-task.

[JackBeck]

70. I love hearing stories like yours.

When I tried to organize DUers on numerous occasions, whether it was for marriage equality, anti-bullying legislation or to get folks to lobby to make ex-gay therapy illegal in NJ, I was told by a small, but very vocal handful of LGBT folks and allies to basically sit down and shut up. Another reason why I don't frequent this place as much as I used to.

[Zorra]

71. I think that when it comes to fascist legislation that is clearly discriminatory,

liberals get motivated to protect their neighbors, and try to kill the dragon before it multiplies.

And there's always the possibility that they might be next.

[SoapBox]

66. Gov. Asshole

Fuck this pig.

[WestSeattle2]

72. Oh, they will. The only question that remains is if the bill to

overturn this nonsense is signed by Pence or his successor.