By Kailey Franklin, staff writer
Earlier this spring, Indiana governor Mike Pence signed into law a bill that would allow business owners to refuse service to openly gay customers. Many people were worried that the law was too vague, and that it would lead to further, worse discrimination.
At first it seemed as though those “protecting” their religious freedom had the upper hand, as businesses who were fully exercising their newfound power were making upwards of $500,000 dollars in donations.
Pence and others began to feel immense pressure after major businesses and events began withdrawing from the state. Angie’s List, which is based in Indiana, canceled plans for a $40-million expansion. Other major businesses, such as Apple, condemned the law.
Pence then signed a revised version of the law, which banned businesses from refusing service to anyone based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
As confusing as this law has become, it’s crazy to think that Pence, a Republican, actually made measures to fix the law. Just a few years ago, something like that would’ve been unthinkable.
The new law definitely isn’t perfect and the old one shouldn’t have been signed to begin with, but the new bans on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity are at least a start.