INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – An Indiana legislative committee has endorsed a contentious proposal that could allow people with strong religious beliefs to not provide services for same-sex weddings.
The House Judiciary Committee voted 9-4 Monday to approve the bill after a four-hour hearing inside the House chamber filled with red-wearing opponents and green-wearing supporters of the bill. Each side had more than 100 people at Statehouse rallies Monday morning.
Supporters say the proposal is aimed at protecting religious freedom and preventing the government from compelling people to be involved in activities such as same-sex weddings that they consider objectionable. Opponents maintain it could give legal cover for discrimination against gays and possibly override civil rights ordinances in some cities.
The bill cleared the Indiana Senate last month and now goes to the full House.
