GOP Presidential Hopefuls Back Indiana ‘Religious Freedom’ Law
Published at(WASHINGTON) — Key Republican presidential hopefuls are backing Indiana’s new Religious Freedom Restoration Act amid growing concern over possible discrimination against gays and lesbians when the law takes effect.
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who announced his candidacy for the GOP nomination last week, said in a statement on Monday that he favors the new law.
“I want to commend Governor Mike Pence for his support of religious freedom, especially in the face of fierce opposition. There was a time, not too long ago, when defending religious liberty enjoyed strong bipartisan support,” Cruz said in the statement. “Alas, today we are facing a concerted assault on the First Amendment, on the right of every American to seek out and worship God according to the dictates of his or her conscience. Governor Pence is holding the line to protect religious liberty in the Hoosier State. Indiana is giving voice to millions of courageous conservatives across this country who are deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks upon our personal liberties. I’m proud to stand with Mike, and I urge Americans to do the same.”
Earlier on Monday, former Republican Sen. Rick Santorum said in a tweet he supports Pence.
I stand with @mikepence4gov in defense of religious liberty and real tolerance. Will speak about this at GW tonight. http://t.co/TDPWHw91pL
— Rick Santorum (@RickSantorum) March 30, 2015
But the law signed by Gov. Pence last week drew early reaction from likely 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.
Sad this new Indiana law can happen in America today. We shouldn’t discriminate against ppl bc of who they love #LGBT http://t.co/mDhpS18oEH
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 27, 2015
Just as opponents of the law have developed #BoycottIndiana, supporters are using #StandWithIndiana to show approval of the law and advocate for religious freedom.
I’m not ashamed of Freedom. #StandWithIndiana RT @INDprogressives: @RepWesco Thanks for shaming our State and losing millions.
— Timothy Wesco (@RepWesco) March 30, 2015
However, data shows there have not even been 700 tweets with this hashtag, and few public figures are using it to express support.
THANK YOU, @GovPenceIN for supporting the freedom of all of us. We do not need any changes to it. #StandWithIndiana #RFRA #packoflies
— Martha Robinson (@LegitMartha) March 30, 2015
RFRA didn’t need clarification in 22 years & does not now either! #StandwithIndiana #RFRA #StandStrongPence #INGOP
— Deb Spencer (@capri93) March 30, 2015
And rather than discuss boycotts, or the negative publicity the law has brought to the state, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard tweeted that there was more to his city than this law.
Indianapolis will not be defined by this. #IndyWelcomesAll
— Mayor Greg Ballard (@MayorBallard) March 30, 2015
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