Kirk blasts Pence over 'religious freedom' law

Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) blasted Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s decision to sign the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law, calling it a form of bigotry.

“I strongly oppose what Governor Pence did. We should not enshrine bigotry under the cover of religion. It’s not just bad practice — it’s un-American,” Kirk said in a statement Wednesday.

Kirk was the second Republican senator to support gay marriage and has backed same-sex causes in Congress. Illinois legalized same-sex marriage in 2013, and it took effect last June.

Illinois’ Republican governor, Bruce Rauner, also said Wednesday that he is concerned the law in the neighboring state would allow for discriminatory practices by businesses.

“I believe Illinois has struck the right balance between religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws and I support Illinois’ position on these issues,” Rauner said, according to a report.

Rep. Robert Dold, another moderate Illinois Republican, said Thursday that any law “threatening our country’s obligation to treat all people equally” should not be tolerated.

“While religious freedom is one of our most important rights as Americans, we cannot allow it to be used as a cover for discrimination and injustice. I strongly support the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and other federal efforts to ensure protection from discrimination for all people,” Dold said in the statement.

Pence said on Tuesday that he had called on legislative leaders to clarify the religious-objection law, and lawmakers announced the changes on Thursday morning.