Indiana lawmakers will consider a proposal that would throw out the state’s contentious religious objections law and replace it with a statute its sponsor says aims to protect six fundamental rights.
It is unclear how much support the bill might garner as legislators face a debate over a push to extend LGBT civil rights protections following last spring’s national uproar over claims the religious-objections law would permit discrimination against gays.
The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Michael Young of Indianapolis would require state government and courts to give “the greatest deference” on six issues: the state constitutional rights to worship, religion, exercise of religion, speech, assembly and bear arms.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to consider the bill on Jan 20.
