Indiana Gov: Law Has Been 'Grossly Misconstrued'

Indiana governor Mike Pence is setting the record straight: Though the Religious Freedom Restoration Act "has been grossly misconstrued as a 'license to discriminate,'" its stated purpose is to guarantee "that Indiana law will respect religious freedom," he writes at the Wall Street Journal. Echoing his earlier comments, Pence notes that President Obama supported a similar law as a state senator in Illinois. He adds, "I abhor discrimination," and the law, which some argue allows businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians, "contains no reference to sexual orientation."

Fellow Republican Jeb Bush suggests the law isn't even slightly discriminatory but is focused on "simply allowing people of faith space to be able to express their beliefs," he says, per the New York Times. Ted Cruz likewise argues "Indiana is giving voice to millions of courageous conservatives across this country who are deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks upon our personal liberties." On the other side of the fence, the editors at the Indianapolis Star and New York Times today voice their opinions; see a rundown here. There's already a long list of those shunning the state over RFRA, and George Takei, writing at MSNBC, is calling on others to join in to prevent "the further erosion of our core civil values in other parts of this country." (More Indiana stories.)