INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Indiana Gov. Mike Pence joined a few hundred people at a Statehouse rally in favor of a change in state law they say would better protect the religious liberties of people and business owners.
Supporters holding signs saying “Protect Religious Freedom'' held Monday's rally a few hours ahead of a scheduled Senate committee hearing on the bill that opponents say would open the door for discrimination by businesses, such as refusing to serve gay couples.
Pence didn't discuss details of the proposal, but thanked those attending for standing up “for our cherished freedom of religion.''
The Republican-sponsored proposal would prohibit any state laws that “substantially burden'' a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs and extends the definition of a “person'' to include religious institutions, businesses and associations.
