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Businesses, Citizens Debate Over Religious Freedom Act

The governor of Indiana vows to fix a controversial law he signed just last week, as another state passes their own version of the law that's stirring debate among businesses, political parties and citizens. Critics of the bill known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act say the law will allow businesses to discriminate against people based on their marriage preference.

But the law's supporters say it was never meant to discriminate, only protect free exercise of religion. Nearly twenty other states have some version of the law, including Arkansas which passed a measure on Tuesday, but critics say Indiana’s law provides a wider berth for businesses to discriminate.

The timing just happens to coincide with the start of the NCAA final four basketball tournament in Indianapolis. The NCAA is one of many businesses that have condemned the new law, even threatening to move future events from Indiana. Even the governor of Connecticut has taken action, banning state-funded travel to Indiana.

Indiana governor Mike Pence defended the law on Tuesday, but says more clarification is needed in terms of denying services.

Encyclopedia Article: World Book Advanced, Freedom of Religion

Website: Teach the First Amendment, Lesson Plans

Website: First Amendment Center, About the First Amendment and Timeline