Indiana law 'grossly misconstrued' says governor

Writing in the Wall Street Journal, Mike Pence said the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) had been "grossly misconstrued" as anti-gay.

"I abhor discrimination," he wrote, rejecting claims the law limited the rights of gays and lesbians.

The measure gives firms and groups the right to express their religious beliefs in the way they do business.

The governor went on the attack after a number of famous names, corporations and sporting institutions warned that business owners now had a licence to discriminate against gays and lesbians.

Signed into state law last week, the bill prevents the state from forcing people to provide services they say are contrary to their religion.

Critics believe it provides a way for opponents of gay marriage, which became legal in Indiana last year, to continue their opposition by other means.

The backlash has made allies of Hillary Clinton and Miley Cyrus, and Angie's List and Apple.

Is Indiana law anti-gay?

Gay wedding cake

Critics say yes, it means a florist could refuse to provide flowers for a gay wedding, for example

but supporters say it is about religious freedom not exclusion

20 US states have such laws but few go as far as Indiana's in giving protection to businesses

and some of those states have other laws that prevent discrimination against minorities.

And the National Collegiate Athletic Association said it was "especially concerned" about how the law would affect its athletes, days before its basketball finals are being held in Indianapolis.

A day after an awkward television interview in which he refused to answer questions about how the law might be used against gay people, Mr Pence had a clearer message for readers of the Wall Street Journal.

"I abhor discrimination. I believe in the Golden Rule that you should 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'

"If I saw a restaurant owner refuse to serve a gay couple, I wouldn't eat there anymore.

"As governor of Indiana, if I were presented a bill that legalised discrimination against any person or group, I would veto it."

(BBC)