Religious freedom restoration. Prohibits a governmental entity from substantially burdening a person's exercise of religion, even if the burden results from a rule of general applicability, unless the governmental entity can demonstrate that the burden: (1) is in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest; and (2) is the least restrictive means of furthering the compelling governmental interest. Provides a procedure for remedying a violation. Specifies that the religious freedom law applies to the implementation or application of a law regardless of whether the state or any other governmental entity or official is a party to a proceeding implementing or applying the law. Prohibits an applicant, employee, or former employee from pursuing certain causes of action against a private employer.
Governor Mike Pence issued a statement Monday saying, "The legislation SB 101 is about respecting and reassuring Hoosiers that their religious freedoms are intact. I strongly support the legislation and applaud the members of the General Assembly for their work on this important issue. I look forward to signing the bill when it reaches my desk."Freedom Indiana campaign manager Katie Blair issued this statement:"We're extremely disappointed that 63 members of the Indiana House suddenly believe we need a new law to protect religious freedom that's been enshrined in our Constitution for centuries. We all know Senate Bill 101 is about creating a license for some Hoosiers to discriminate against others in the name of faith, and we all understand that the law's unintended consequences could harm LGBT Hoosiers, undercut our economic growth and put our children at risk. We turn our attention now to Governor Pence who, like Governor Jan Brewer in Arizona, has the ability to stop this dangerous bill dead in its tracks when it hits his desk. When Governor Brewer vetoed the Arizona RFRA last year, she clearly stated that 'religious liberty is a core American and Arizona value. So is non-discrimination.' Will Governor Pence send the message that Indiana is open for business, or will our new message be that Hoosier hospitality is just an empty slogan?"Indiana Right to Life's President and CEO, Mike Fichter:"Indiana Right to Life is encouraged by the passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in the Indiana House. We believe this is an important bill to protect pro-life Hoosiers. For example, this bill will allow a pro-life print shop owner to decline making posters for a pro-abortion rally or a caterer to decline serving meals at a Planned Parenthood fundraiser. We are thankful Gov. Mike Pence has said he will sign the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law. We also extend our thanks to the bill's authors, all those who voted for it and to the hundreds of Hoosiers who showed at the Statehouse in recent weeks to support the bill's passage."