Commentary by State Sen. Luke Kenley
Legislation to protect Hoosiers’ religious liberty from government abuse was recently signed into law by Gov. Mike Pence.
This legislation – Senate Enrolled Act 101 – has been widely mischaracterized by its opponents. As a supporter of the bill and a strong proponent of religious freedom, I want to set the record straight.
Opponents of the bill claim it creates a “license to discriminate.” This claim is unfounded. In fact, this law, commonly referred to as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, is simply aimed at preventing government from trampling on the free exercise of religion in Indiana.
It does this by establishing a strict test for courts to use when reviewing state and local government actions that may impact religious freedom. Specifically, the RFRA says that the government of Indiana (including local governments) cannot “substantially burden” the legitimate exercise of religion unless the action furthers a “compelling governmental interest” using “the least restrictive means.”
At least 30 other states already have this safeguard through a law like Indiana’s or in their state constitutions. It is modeled on a federal law that passed unanimously in the U.S. House of Representatives and 97-3 in the U.S. Senate. The federal version was signed into law by President Bill Clinton.
More details about the contents of the bill and an informative letter of support for the RFRA, authored by prominent legal scholars from here in Indiana and across the country, may be found online at www.indianasenaterepublicans.com.
Luke Kenley is the state senator for district 20 and a longtime resident of Noblesville. He may be contacted at s20@iga.in.gov or (800) 382-9467.
Noblesville declares ‘Diversity Day’ in city
In response to the Freedom and Restoration Act, Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear declared March 31 as “Diversity Day” in the city.
“Noblesville is open for business and welcomes all people regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity,” he stated. “We work hard to have a warm and welcoming community that people are proud to call home. We foster a culture of acceptance in Noblesville and the Religious Freedom and Restoration Act will not change that Noblesville is a great place to live, work, and play.”
