INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Republican legislative leaders in Indiana say they are working on adding language to a new state law to make it clear that it doesn't allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.

The move comes amid widespread outcry over the measure that prohibits state laws that “substantially burden'' a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs.

House Speaker Brian Bosma said at a news conference Monday that the law was meant to promote a message of inclusion but has instead led to one of exclusion. He blamed the fallout on a “mischaracterization'' of the legislation.

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the measure last week. He defended it during a television appearance Sunday but did not directly answer questions about whether it allowed discrimination against gays and lesbians.