Pence blames media: 'Read the bill,' not the papers

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence in a local radio interview urged Hoosiers to "read the bill instead of reading the papers," suggesting the media were to blame for the national outrage that has erupted over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

And, when pressed, Pence said he wasn't aware of any current cases in Indiana that would require such a law.

Pence appeared on WIBC-FM (91.3) Thursday morning, shortly after signing the controversial measure into law in a private ceremony.

In effect, the bill will serve as a new litmus test for state courts, prohibiting state or local governments from "substantially burdening" a person's ability to exercise religion, unless the government can meet certain legal criteria. Such government actions would have to meet a "compelling" interest and be the least restrictive means possible to achieve that goal.

But opponents fear it would allow business owners to refuse services to same-sex couples.

In an interview with conservative radio host Greg Garrison, Pence said that although the concerns are "understandable," the bill has been misconstrued.

"If you read the bill instead of reading the papers, you would see that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which is now law in Indiana, is simply about giving the courts guidance and establishing the same standards that have existed at the federal level for more than 20 years," Pence said. Similar laws are in place in 19 other states.

"I understand the concerns that have been raised by some, because frankly, some in the media have tried to make this about one issue or another," Pence said. "Really, this is about religious liberty and making sure that the courts review government action in the right framework."

Legal experts differ on the exact effect the law would have, but many agree that it wouldn't do nearly as much as the rhetoric on either side suggests.

Throughout the interview, Garrison pressed Pence to explain why Indiana needs such a law.

"Do you perceive a present threat to religious freedom extant in Indiana?" Garrison said. "Because I don't see it."

At first, Pence pointed to cases involving Hobby Lobby and Notre Dame, in which the organizations objected to being forced to provide contraceptives under the Affordable Care Act.

Later, when Garrison replied that those two would be covered by the federal law, he pressed Pence again whether he thought there were particular cases that prompted Indiana to consider a state law necessary.

"I'm not aware of cases in controversy," Pence replied. "As I ride around the state, there's one thing I know for sure: Hoosier hospitality is the greatest in the nation. Hoosiers are loving, caring, generous to a fault.

"This isn't about any present controversy, as much as some people want to make it about that."

Call Star reporter Brian Eason at (317) 444-6129. Follow him on Twitter: @brianeason.