Could Michigan become next Indiana on religious freedom?

By: American Decency Staff

The backlash over Indiana becoming the 20th state to pass a Religious Freedom Restoration Act last week could extend to Michigan if similar legislation already in the hopper moves to the front of the line at the state Capitol.

After Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the law last week, giving businesses and individuals a legal defense if they refuse services based on religious objections, corporations, businesses and organizations like the NCAA all criticized the legislation and said it could impact their decisions on doing business in the state.

The critics say it's a law that will legalize discrimination against members of the LGBT community, especially since Indiana, like Michigan, does not offer protections to gays and lesbians in their civil rights act. Supporters say that 19 other states have already passed similar legislation, former President Bill Clinton signed a federal RFRA bill without harmful effects, and tolerance should extend to religious beliefs as well.

"What happened in Indiana was perfectly predictable," said state Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clarklake, who is sponsoring the RFRA bill in Michigan. "There are people who are misinterpreting the RFRA legislation for their own agenda."

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