Indiana Senate passes ‘religious freedom’ bill

The Indiana Senate approved “religious freedom” legislation Tuesday on a 40-10 party line vote.

The legislation is intended to protect people with strong religious beliefs, but has raised questions about the dividing line between religious freedom and discrimination.

All 10 Senate Democrats voted against the bill, which now moves to the House.

“You don’t have to look too far to find a growing hostility toward people of faith,” author Scott Schneider, R-Indianapolis, said. “This bill acts as a shield, not a sword.”

The bill has become a rallying point for conservatives disappointed with last year’s defeat of a proposed constitutional same-sex marriage ban and subsequent federal court decisions that effectively legalized gay marriage in Indiana.

Supporters say the measure is needed to protect religious business owners who don’t want to provide services for same-sex weddings.

Critics, however, say the measure would legalize discrimination against gays and lesbians.

Call Star reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter: @indystartony.