INDIANAPOLIS - Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke released a statement Friday critical of the state’s new “religious freedom” law, joining a growing number of businesses, politicians and celebrities to relay concerns over the measure.
“I’m concerned that this new law sends the wrong message about our state, a message that contradicts what I know to be true about the citizens of Evansville. I see a city of mutual respect and inclusion. I see a city with a proud record of attracting diverse businesses and visitors,” Winnecke said.
Earlier in the week, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, also a Republican, announced his concerns over the measure. Winnecke’s statement, posted on his Facebook page, coincides with the city’s 203rd birthday. He said the city should commemorate the milestone by “celebrating our great strengths – our open and welcoming nature.”
On Thursday, Gov. Mike Pence signed the “religious freedom” measure into law, which supporters say offers additional protections for the religious beliefs of Hoosiers but opponents argue could harm the state’s reputation because of concerns over discrimination.
The law is a state-level version of the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by U.S. President Bill Clinton in 1993. The law asserts a person’s right to practice their religion without a substantial burden by government. It also requires government to demonstrate a compelling interest to restrict religious expression. Supporters say the law will better protect Hoosiers in state court if government intrudes on their ability to exercise their religion. But opponents argue it could lead to Hoosiers denying services to others, especially gays and lesbians, on the basis of Indiana having such a law.
After signing the bill, Pence said he felt there were misunderstandings over the measure.
“The doors of the courthouse are open today. The federal law has been on the books since 1993. What I can say to you and I think Hoosiers deserve to hear it, this legislation has never eroded anti-discrimination laws anywhere in the United States of America, ever,” Pence said.
Also this week, the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission wrote the General Assembly a letter expressing concerns on the bill.
“In many respects, this would seem to represent a step backward in the state’s progress toward inclusion and fairness and mutual respect for all,” according to text of the letter provided to the Courier & Press.
In Indiana, no statewide nondiscrimination law exists on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, but a handful of cities, including Evansville, have local ordinances offering protections in matters of education, employment, access to public accommodations and housing. However, Evansville’s ordinance is a voluntary process, meaning the respondent with a complaint filed against them is not required to participate with the investigation.
The law takes effect in July.