Indiana's Mike Pence: Tolerance Is a Two-Way Street

By Gary Lane

CBN News Sr. Correspondent

Monday, March 30, 2015

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A new religious freedom law in Indiana has created a political firestorm across the country.

From the White House to Hollywood, critics hit the streets and social media saying the law discriminates against gays and lesbians.

But Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said the purpose of the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act is to protect people of faith, not discriminate against gays and lesbians.

"The issue here is, you know, is tolerance a two-way street or not? You know, there's a lot of talk about tolerance today in this country having to do with people on the left," Pence noted.

"But here Indiana steps forward to protect the constitutional rights and privileges of freedom of religion for people of faith and families of faith in our state and this avalanche of intolerance that has been poured on our state is just outrageous," he said.

In fact, Pence and supporters of the Indiana law say it's similar to federal legislation signed by President Bill Clinton and laws approved by 19 other states, including Illinois where then state Sen. Barack Obama voted for it.

But White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the Illinois bill Obama supported did not legitimize discrimination.

Critics say the Indiana law allows businesses like florists and bakeries to go unpunished when denying service to gay couples for religious reasons. In states with gay protections, some Christians have already lost their businesses.

On ABC's "This Week," George Stephanapoulos attacked Pence on the issue.

"Do you think it should be legal in the state of Indiana to discriminate against gays or lesbians?" Stephanapoulos asked the governor.

"George…" Pence began.

"It's a yes or no question," Stephanapoulos challenged.

"Come on. Hoosiers don't believe in discrimination," Pence replied. "This is about protecting the religious liberty of every Hoosier of every faith."

Most people support the idea behind the Indiana law.

One Associated Press poll taken last February showed 57 percent of Americans believe business owners should not be forced to provide services for same-sex weddings if they have religious objections.

Meanwhile, the uproar is expected to continue. The NCAA has expressed concern as Indiana prepares to host college basketball's Final Four.

And other companies and business may soon bow to pressure to boycott Indiana, possibly costing the state millions of dollars in tax revenues.