it hurts indiana politics. it hurts indiana's economy. the fact that they're doing it i think is a huge bruise to both governor pence and the state of indiana. >> what do you think of his play of saying, we're not going to make lgbt a protected class under state law? i don't know if legally that would be a fix. this will get a little confusing. if you did that, you create lgbt as a protected class like the other ones we have, that initiates state action that would trigger this law. the state action is you must respect the lights of lgbt. so i don't know if it's a fix. politically, van, when he said that, i'm not going to do that, what signal did that send to you? >> i thought it was bad. and the fact that the legislature did have the explicit opportunity to amend this bill to make sure that it was not about discrimination, and they refused to do it. when you have those kind of signals all put together, it does bolster the case. i don't call it a religious liberty bill, i call it a right to discriminate bill. a business owner can use this

indiana never did. in the wake of the hobby lobby opinion, to ensure in our courts we have the same scrutiny when their religious liberty they believe is infringed upon, the general assembly moved this legislation, and that was the precipitating event. yes, sir? [ inaudible question ] people are entitled to their opinions. but this law does not create a license to discriminate. and this law does not give businesses a right to deny services to anyone. i think it would be helpful if the general assembly were to get this legislation to my desk that made that clear and made that clear in the statute. yes. i didn't hear the first part of your question, tony. go ahead. [ inaudible question ] >> the purpose of the religious freedom restoration act is to give the people of this country the opportunity to go into our courts, state now and federal for more than 20 years, where they believe that government action has imposed and inhinged upon their religious liberty. that's the foundation of this idea. this is abo

indiana never did. and so in the wake of the hobby lobby decision to ensure that hoosiers in our state courts had the same level of scrutiny when their religious liberty, they believe, is infringed upon the general assembly moved this legislation and that was the precipitating event. people are entitled to their opinions. but this law does not create a license to discriminate and this law does not give businesses a right to deny services to anyone. i think it would be helpful if the general assembly were to get legislation to my desk that made that clear and made that clear in the statute. the purpose of the religious freedom restoration act is to give the people of this country the opportunity to go into our courts, state now and federal for more than 20 years, where they believe that government action has imposed and impinged upon their private liberty. that's the foundation of this idea. this is about restraining government overreach and i want to say again the reason why this was such a broad and bi

indiana never did. so in the wake of a hobby lobby decision to ensure that hoosiers in our state courts have the same level of scrutiny when their religious liberty they believe is infringed upon general assembly moved this legislation, and that was the precipitating event. [ inaudible ] >> people are entitled to their opinions. but this law does not create a license to discriminate and this law does not give businesses a right to deny services to anyone. i think it would be helpful if the general assembly were to get legislation to my desk that made that clear and made that clear in the statute. yes. >> court cases where -- >> i didn't hear the first part of the question tony. go ahead go ahead. [ inaudible ] >> the purpose of the religious freedom restoration act is to give the people of this country the opportunity to go into our courts, state and federal for more than 20 years, where they believe government action has imposed and impinged on their religious liberty. that's the foundation of this ide

now in indiana? >> george, this is where this debate has gone, with misinformation. >> it's just a question, sir, yes or no? >> well, there's been shameless rhetoric about my state and about this law and about its intention. all over the internet. people are trying to make it about one particular issue. and now you're doing that, as well. the issue here, the religious freedom restoration act has been on the books for more than 20 years. it does not apply, george, to disputes between individuals unless government action is involved. in point of fact in more than two decades, the religious freedom restoration act has never been used to undermine anti-discrimination laws in the country. >> i'm just bringing up a question from one of your supporters talking about the bill right there. it said it would protect a christian florist. against any kind of punishment. is that true or not? >> george look. the issue here is is tolerance a two-way street or not? i mean. there's a lot of talk about tolerance in thi

the indiana r.i.f.r.a.hands off in the language saying: said simply, the individual gets to define his or her religious activity, and decides when an activity for him or herself represents what the law calls a substantial burden to their free exercise of human belief. the human rights watch campaign spearheaded efforts across the county, and jason rawlin joins me in washington. does this law differ from ones that are operating right now in other states? >> absolutely. this is the most sweeping, dangerous r.i.f.r.a. law on the state level that we have seen since the religious freedom restoration act was passed by congress in 1993. >> why is it so? >> one provision that concerns us is it enables for-profit business to free exercise of religion in dealings with employers and customers. >> that was the phrase i read before. in this case, it's complete ownership or a substantial position. so you could be part owner of a hotel or a restaurant, let's say, and be able to discriminate between your customers. >> abso

the indiana r.i.f.r.a.hands off in the language saying: said simply the individual gets to define his or her religious activity, and decides when an activity for him or herself represents what the law calls a substantial burden to their free exercise of human belief. the human rights watch campaign spearheaded efforts across the county, and jason rawlin joins me in washington. does this law differ from ones that are operating right now in other states? >> absolutely. this is the most sweeping dangerous r.i.f.r.a. law on the state level that we have seen since the religious freedom restoration act was passed by congress in 1993. >> why is it so? >> one provision that concerns us is it enables for-profit business to free exercise of religion in dealings with employers and customers. >> that was the phrase i read before. in this case it's complete ownership or a substantial position. so you could be part owner of a hotel or a restaurant let's say, and be able to discriminate between your customers. >> absolute

and when you see these headlines about indiana licensed to discriminate in indiana. and it just -- i'm telling you, george, it is a red herring. i think it's deeply troubling. to millions of americans, and frankly, people all across the state of indiana, who feel troubled about government overreach. it's about government overhereby we're reaching out to business leaders. i'm pleased to be on your show speaking across the country ondetermined clear that ipd ipd has strengthened the foundation and the constitutional religious rights for how people. >> it sounds like what you're saying is people are able to use their religious freedom for their defense. you're talking about a fix. ing sexual orientation as a protected class under the state's civil rights laws. will you push for that? >> i will not push for that. it's not on any agenda. it's not be an objective of the people of the state of indiana. it doesn't have anything to do with this law. i mean -- george. bill clinton signed the religious freedom restoration act in 1993. >> i remember that. >> then state senator -

indiana never did. and so in the wake of the hobby lobby decision, to ensure that hoosiers in our state courts have the same level of scrutiny when their religious liberty, they believe, is infringe ed up, the general assembly moved this legislation. and that was the precipitating event. yes, sir? >> yesterday, senator long said to a small group of opponents who are mischaracterizing as well and another question used for how he described other opponents who are saying [ inaudible ]]? >> people are entitled to their opinions. but this law does not create a license to discriminate, and this law does not give businesses a right to deny services to anyone. i think it would be helpful if the general assembly were to get legislation to my desk that made that clear and made that clear in the statute. yes? go. >> governor -- >> i didn't hear the first part of your question, tony. go ahead. >> this law has been used in court cases where [ inaudible ] a different type of law? >> the purpose of the religious freed

refuses to serve a gay couple in indiana, is that legal in indiana? >> george this is where the debate has gone. >> it said it would protect a christian florist against any kind of punishment. is that true or not? it's now legal in the state of indiana. that's a simple yes or no question. >> george the question here is -- >> final yes or no question here. do you think it should be legal in the state of indiana to discriminate against gays and lesbians? >> george -- >> it's a yes or no question. >> hoosiers don't believe in discrimination. >> well it is a simple yes or no question which pence could not answer six times. another problem is indiana's current anti-discrimination laws. they do not apply to sexual orientation. it's a possible fix, but pence not having anything of it. >> one fix that people have talked about is simply adding sexual orientation as a protected class under the state's civil rights laws. will you push for that? >> i will not push for that. that's not on my agenda and that's not been an objective of the people of the state of ind

leaders in indiana.y hopeful that we will see a good resolution to this. and i have many friends in indiana, and they've written me, and they are outraged and embarrassed by the behavior of their legislature and their governor. and certainly, that performance that we saw on abc with george stephanopoulos was a very awkward performance. and the people of indiana are leading the charge on this. >> the president of the ncaa is worried about this and how it's affecting the final four games. charles barkley has written, as long as anti-gay legislation exists in any state i strongly believe big events such as the final four and super bowl should not be held in those states' cities. this is something that's not going to disappear quickly. >> no, i don't think it's going to disappear. and the more that the proponents are speaking, we're hearing things like people who are discriminated against in a business can go to court. so we're going to set up tribunals where people who have already been embarrassed, kicked

i don't think it reflects the people of indiana. >> reporter: do you think indiana is getting a bad rap in all of this? >> i'm not going to say that indiana's getting a bad rap with this. something needs to be done. and i think that education needs to happen. sexual identity is -- you're born this way. so you're excluding a portion of humanity. >> ashleigh, did you have a question? >> i'd love to get his reaction to what the governor said or didn't say. a fix, he didn't say what a fix was. and short of this notion of protection, it protected class for gays and lesbians in the state of indiana. what could possibly fix this bill? >> i don't know what can fix the bill. i really don't. you do have to include -- be inclusive. >> reporter: he said he wouldn't include a nondiscrimination law for gays and lesbians and transgenders across indiana which is something activists have asked for for many years. >> i come from california. we have prop 8. we had to fight to defeat that. so that i can marry my soulmate, johnny, be legally married in the state of california. so we've had our issues with o

he heads the indiana family institute. smith claims the gay community has no life beyond quote, absorption with narcissistic sex, and he helped write the bill. this is micah clarke. he believes homosexuality is a, quote, treatable disorder. just last fall clarke said opponents of marriage equality needs to shift their views. finally, standing directly behind the governor is a man named eric miller. he heads the powerful anti-gay group advance america. their website states if the act doesn't protect individuals, christian businesses and churches from those, we will protect them. advance america offers this. christian bakers florists, and photographers should not be punished for refusing to participate in a homosexual marriage. but hey. >> the religious freedom restoration act was about religious liberty. not about discrimination. >> joining me now is the ceo of glaad and tim lannon. are you in support of governor pence's efforts? are you confident that they will offer protections to the lgbt community? >> well thank you ver

perhaps they do in indiana. stuart: it is not a full-time job apparently the legislature in indiana. they all have other jobs. is going to be a scramble to get this together but here's mike pence almost pounding the table i want this on the desk by the end of the week. judge napolitano: until he signed this last week he was in a list of those who might cost there had in for the republican nomination for president. it is cleary is no longer on that list. he may have seen his presidential dreams evaporate forever or at least postponed for four to eight years. cheryl: we are getting a lot of commentary reaction to what we're seeing on our television sets and one thing that has been posted is it is a picture of when he signed the bill with eric miller, someone who distributed the fear fire claiming pasteur's can be jailed for preaching against homosexuality after same-sex marriage, threatening the church. so many people that were is fair in the signing room are kind of that is coming out on twitter and social media

order banning state travel to indiana.le's mayor is planning to sign an executive order this week which will bar city-funded ci travel to indiana. >> the financial impact of the law could be devastating to indiana. our cristina alesci reports on the businesses it that are taking a critical look at their relationship with the state. >> reporter: the backlash couldn't have been more high profile. apple's ceo, tim cook, who recently came out as gay, sharply criticized indiana's new religious freedom law that critics say is anti-lgbt. he wrote in the washington post that such laws are quote-unquote very dangerous and will hurt jobs and growth. indiana's economy is already feeling the impact. local success story angie's list announced it's putting its expansion plans on hold. >> we're unwilling to engage in a plan that's contingent on us hiring people in when the state is sending a message out to potential employees that is not always palatable. >> reporter: and the drug company, eli lilly says the law is bad for indiana and fo

press conference from indiana. coast guard rescue caught on camera off the coast of massachusetts, and fake crowd noise leading to a slap on the wrist for the atlanta falcons. "the rundown" back after this. there's nothing more romantic than a spontaneous moment. so why pause to take a pill? and why stop what you're doing to find a bathroom? with cialis for daily use, you don't have to plan around either. it's the only daily tablet approved to treat erectile dysfunction so you can be ready anytime the moment is right. plus cialis treats the frustrating urinary symptoms of bph, like needing to go frequently, day or night. tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and medicines, and ask if your heart is healthy enough for sex. do not take cialis if you take nitrates for chest pain as it may cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure. do not drink alcohol in excess. side effects may include headache, upset stomach, delayed backache or muscle ache. to avoid long-term injury, get medical help right away for an erec

indiana's law could hurt its economy. some groups are reconsidering plans to hold conventions in the mid western state. the major indiana based consumer website, angie's list, postponed plans for expanding its offices and hiring more staff. >> if the atmosphere is such in the state that we can't draw the talent and they can't be comfortable then i can't commit the company. >> reporter: apple's ceo tim cook declared his company was deeply disappointed in indiana. professional athletes and film stars are spreading the hashtag boycott indiana on twitter and the obama white house has stepped into the fray. >> it should be easy to stand up and say it's wrong to discriminate against people just because of whom they love. >> in the enormously popular march madness due to be played in indianapolis next week the authorities indicated they might move the match elsewhere. rob reynolds, al jazeera. >> needed to fight modern wars, updating retirement pay most troops will get a 401(k) retirement account. right now troops have to serve

either in indiana or elsewhere.the religious freedom restoration act reflects federal law as well as law in 30 states nationwide. dind anan's legislation is about affording citizens full protection under indiana law. >> so this is what i don't understand. and we're going to go to gabe gutierrez in a second. i don't understand. i brought this up yesterday and there are people on twitter that disagreed with me. these are not my words. i'm not -- i literally haven't looked into it as much as i would like to. but there's such a huge fire storm. what i don't understand is so this is from the "washington post." it's not from the national review it's not from the catholic advocate if there is a magazine called "the catholic advocate." 40% of u.s. states has something similar to indiana. that's "the washington post." so don't tweet me today. i'm just reading the "washington post" post". that's what they say. the associated press, again, not a right wing out let, says 20 states now have similar laws in place and arkansas is

indiana? >> george this is where this debate has gone with misinformation -- >> it's just a question. yes or no question governor. do you think it should be legal in the state of indiana to discriminate against gays or lesbians? >> george -- >> it's a yes or no question! >> hoosiers don't believe in discrimination. >> yes or no should it be legal to discriminate against gays and lesbians? >> george you're following the mantra of the last week online. >> i want to bring in mayor greg ballard of indianapolis. he says the religious freedom law sends the wrong signal. as i understand you put out a declaration of non-discrimination today. why did you feel the need to do that mayor? >> i did that this afternoon and i talked about how we feel in the city of indianapolis. because people in indianapolis are protected by our human rights ordinances for quite a while. we've always been a welcoming and open city and we want to send the message that that's going to happen this weekend also. >> that's a big

indiana stepped forward, and i'm working hard to clarify this.we're reaching out to business leaders. >> in one example the law would allow forests florists to be forced to provide flowers for same sex marriage ceremonies. >> if someone came in to my store, i would serve them. >> indiana's law could hurt its economy, some groups are reconsidering plans to hold conventions in the midwestern state. the major indiana based consumer website angie's list postpone plans for expanding it's offices and hiring more staff. >> if the atmosphere is such in the state that we can't draw the tonight that they can't be comfortable, then i can't commit the company. >> apple's ceo, tim cook one of the most prominent openly gay business leaders said he was disappointed in indiana. and the obama white house has stepped into the fray. >> it should be easy for leaders in this country to stand up and say that it is wrong to discriminate against people just because of who they love. >> reporter: with key games in the enormously popular match madness tournament due to be

indiana's governor not backing down.s. >>> and people around the world coming to the defense of this special needs student banned from wearing a letter jacket because he's not a varsity athlete. that student's mother joins us live in an exclusive interview you'll only see here on "fox and friends." "fox and friends" hour three begins now. >> you are watching "fox and friends." stick around. >>> that's right. we got a busy final hour today. clayton is in for brian. good to have you. >> nice to be here. thank you for having me. >> thanks for being with us everybody at home. laura ingraham is joining us right now, it's a hot day in indiana right now. over the fight for faith since governor pence signed into law the religious liberties law. people have been bahicating indiana. it's a hashtag. republicans saying they're going to get in there and tweak it to get more clarification. does it discriminate against the gay population is the main conversation. is this left wing bullying? selective outrage? >> i think mike pence's pi

in indiana and list as an $18.5 million add a thousand jobs over 5 years in indiana the nap napkin president harassed issued a statement over serious concern indicating the naacp will review previous events and forego consistency with the values of the naacp and could stop future sports events in the state and in the washington post announced the bill eli you thought of indiana health services some of the largest employers in i said i understand have condemned the law and schooled the quencher in indiana as a result of the law and many good people in indiana are horrified could pass this law and really undermine the reputation of this state this resolution puts the board of supervisors in the city of san francisco firmer on record condemning this as discriminatory and additionally this resolution asks the city not to enter into contracts with indiana businesses and to evaluate contract all businesses to be feasible to conceal this contract and the resolution will courage private san francisco-based businesses to refrain from doing business with i understand in kwefshz and congestions this an

joining me now, congressman andre carson democrat from indiana, and mayor of south bend indiana, democrat pete budajudge. thank you, both for being here. congressman carson -- >> thank you, reverend. >> -- you're at the state capitol. what kind of damage is this law doing to your state? >> you know, the ncaa which is hosting the final four this weekend in indiana has already talked about canceling future events in the state. ncaa in fact is headquartered in indiana and in indianapolis in my district. it's disappointing, reverend, because this bill gives justification to individuals and even businesses to discriminate on the basis of religion. so we'll see discrimination against brothers and sisters from the lgbt community, women and minorities and we know it's a slippery slope. >> this, really congressman, is not about religion. it's really not even just about gays and lesbians though they're the focal point. >> sure. >> it's about nondiscrimination. i mean, i've been to your town. >> absolutely. >> you've been there when i preached in churches. we believe in religion but we don't believe

the governor of indiana issuing a new defense. an op-ed defending his law as his state are concerned what it means for business there. >>> indiana lawmakers are under pressure to do something about the exploding controversy over a so-called religious freedom law. critics say it is nothing but a mask for discrimination against gay people. elected officials from connecticut and washington state have barred government travel to indiana. barring government travel to the state of indiana. the ncaa speaking out against the law growing the chorus of voices. "the indianapolis star" with a full page banner. "fix this now." state officials are pushing back led by governor mike pence. his monday wall street op-ed said the law has been grossly misconstrued as a license to discriminate. this morning, pence and leaders are now promising a fix. not a repeal. a fix, a clarification. not a ban on anti-gay discrimination. clarification of the law which is not intended for discrimination. cnn's miguel marquez is in indianapolis with more. >> reporte

outside indiana, an avalanche of criticism. connecticut has joined washington state in banning taxpayer-funded travel to indiana. companies such as apple and angie's list have voiced loud critiques, and the ncaa headquartered in indiana is reconsidering its investment there. >> we have to say, all right, what are we going to do if this law goes into effect in july and what's our relationship with the state of indiana going to be? >> reporter: susan saulny, abc news, washington. >>> well, arkansas will likely be the next state to have a religious freedom law, and we could see it by the end of the day. that legislative committee approved a final version yesterday and the house will vote on it today. the governor has promised to sign it. like indiana, arkansas' proposed law protects a business' right to refuse to serve someone because of religious beliefs and like indiana has no law in arkansas on the books that forbids against discriminating against someone because of their sexual orientation. >>> new details about the security s

a so-called religious freedom law has indiana republicans facing outrage. it is monday march 30th and this is "now." >> these laws are unconscionable and outrageous. >> do you think it should be legal to discriminate against people? >> come on. >> he has taken a group of people and said you are not accepted by me and you're not going to be legally protected. >> companies have come out and said this is a dangerous law. >> this footprint and its ripple effect is much larger than expected. >> we didn't see that coming. >> yes or no should it be legal to discriminate against gays and lesbians? >> you're making this about something it's not. >> people are angry. they're upset, and they're insulted. >> there's only one choice. repeal this law. >> the issue that the republican party had hoped to put behind it is today very much right out in front. days after indiana governor mike pence signed into law a bill that would open the door to discrimination against lgbt rez residents residents, the republican lawmakers who passed that bill are saying they want to quote,

the indiana mayor wants to pass a law to protect all those that live and work in indiana and do so immediately so would you be willing to change that part of the law? >> sexual orientation is not a protected class in many of the states that has -- >> but it is in others. >> it is in others and not at the federal level. this hysterical reaction of let's boycott indiana when we're not boycotting other states and not boycotting the united states government is ridiculous. this is the exact same law that barack obama voted for in illinois and president clinton signed into law at the federal level. >> but in illinois what i just mentioned, you know not being discredited against gays civil rights issue, that is what makes this so so different. >> this law does not empower discrimination against anyone. this law simply says the government and the courts need to take into account our religious freedom. that is an important principle of american pluralism. the situation right now with this overreaction it's not just that jesus wouldn't recognize this jefferson wouldn't recognize this either. we need to

can indiana escape the we hate gays charge?p and the rest of the wacko birthers saying he's just heading home? >>> we have to star with the deal with iran tonight. the b

to move out of oh indiana.ouses the home offices of most fraternities and sorority s sororities sororities. it guarantees people they will be guaranteed of discrimination. the fraternities and sororities need to move out of indiana. they need to move and they certainly need to not bring people to have to travel to indiana, a state that might discriminate against them unless they are -- unless indiana is able to pass the legislationment. >> the move governor has political cover. ted cruz came out. a presidential contenderer for 2016. he tweeted i'm proud to stand with governor pence for religious liberty. i urge americans to do the same. marco rubio, another potential contender for president in 2016 offereded this perspective during an interview with fox news. listen. >> no one here is saying it should be legal to deny service at a restaurant or ho tell because of sexual orientation. that's a consensus view in america. the flip side is should a photographer be punished for refusing to do a wedding that their fai

if a florist in indiana refuses to serve a gay couple at their wedding is, that legal now in indiana? >> george, this is where this debate has gone, with misinformation and -- >> just a question, yes or no? >> well, there's been shameless rhetoric about my state. >> reporter: the governor said the bill would stand, no changes. members of his own party today in the state legislature weren't sure. >> clearly there's unsettle the waters now. that could have far-ranging impact. we determined we needed to step in and be sure the waters were calmed. if that requires a legislative clarification, that's what we're working on. >> reporter: 20 state currently have religious freedom laws on the books. some of those states also specifically protect rights based on sexual orientation. opponents say the problem with indiana's law -- it's broad. any person or business could seek protection based on religious beliefs, free of government involvement. utah has a similar constitutional amendment just introduced in the state house that would take effect in 2017. there are protests in arkansas where the g

this not about the people of indiana. >> it's about the people of indiana, they want this bill, theyections against government. that's what the bill is about. protecting the first amendment rights of all hoosiers now that this law is passed and into law, every single hoosier. whether you're gay or straight conservative or liberal, republican or democrat you have greater first amendments rights in indiana today than you did before because of the protection of the bill and the law gives you. and that's my statement. >> that is your statement about it. you're also a christian, yes? >> yes. >> and do you believe that doing business with gays would be offensive to you if you were a businessman? >> no. you know there is talk if you're a hotel or restaurant. this bill would allow you to discriminate against gay and lesbian people. that's not true. it's never been true of any of the 30 states where this has come up. i wouldn't do that. i have gay and lesbian friends, i would gladly serve them in my restaurant if they came and wanted a sandwich. that's not what this is about. the main thing w

outside indiana an avalanche of criticism. connecticut has joined washington state in banning taxpayer funded travel to indiana. companies such as apple and angie's list have voiced loud critique and the ncaa headquartered in indiana is reconsidering its investment there. >> we have to say all right what are we going to do if this law goes into effect in july and what's our relationship with the state of indiana going to be? >> reporter: indiana democrats say they have a solution to all the problems, repeal the law. meanwhile similar legislation is being considered in arkansas georgia and texas. susan saulny, abc news, washington. >> good morning america will have much more on the growing response to indiana's religious freedom act. that is coming up at 7:00 a.m. right after "action news." >> time now for accuweather the wet weather not really an issue until later tonight. >> after lunchtime i think in most neighborhoods. storm tracker 6 live double scan shows you that we are dry for the morning commute. a as we take a look ou

indiana never did. and so in the wake of the hobby lobby decision, to ensure that hoosiers in our state courts have the same level of scrutiny when their religious liberty they believe, is infringed upon, the general assembly room to this legislation. that was the precipitating event. >> [inaudible] governor pence: people are entitled to their opinions. but this law does not create a license to discriminate and it does not give businesses a right to deny services to anyone. i think it would be helpful if the general assembly were to get legislation to my desk that made that clear, and made that clear in the statute. >> court cases where the government is not a party. gov. pence: the purpose of the religious freedom restoration act is to give people in this country the opportunity to go into our courts, state and federal for more than 20 years where they believed that government action has imposed and impinged upon their religious liberty. that is the foundation of this idea. this is about -- this is abo

tim cook slammed the indiana bill.he ceos of line of the largest companies wrote letters urging them to change the law including angies list, dow. >> they published an op-ed trying to talk people down about how they're freaking out about this bill. the governor does sort of answer the question that he would not answer this weekend. if you're worried about gay people being denied service in indiana restaurants, don't worry. he explains there is a plan for that. quote, if i saw a restaurant owner refuse to serve a gay couple, i would not eat there any more." so if you were concerned they would be refused service, don't worry that could never happen because the state is wielding the threat of depriving businesses of mike pence's personal patronage. it's going to well now that two states are thinking about following mike pence down this hole. arkansas is saying he will sign it. arkansas's largest company is walmart, they're against the bill. in north carolina they're against the bill, but it seems like pat mccrory spoke ab

is that legal now in indiana? >> george, this is where the debate has gone. >> it's just a question, sir. >> there has been shameless rhetoric. >> is it true or not? >> george, look -- >> do you think it should be legal in the state of indiana to discriminate against gays or lesbians. >> george -- >> it's a yes or no question. >> come on. >> you can see some of the pain there. do you see that law as allowing people who for religious reasons who don't want to serve gays to have those protections? >> of course not. the only religious liberty concerns are around marriages and wedding ceremonies. it doesn't say who would win such a claim, it just says that a citizen would bring a claim to a court and say that a law that would force them celebrate a same sex wedding, they can get that reviewed by the court, and they have to show they have a compelling interest, and they're not forcing a 70-year-old grandmother -- >> i think ryan is mistaken. the religious freedom act that chuck schumer supported, that bill clinton sign

indiana stepped forward. i'm working hard to clarify this. we're reaching out to business bleeds in one example the law would allow florists to refuse to sell arrangements to be used in same sex wedding ceremonies. but this store owner who said she's against gay marriage also says she wouldn't turn away gay customers. >> if someone walked in my store, i think i would serve them. >> indiana's ban on same-sex marriage was overturned last year and conservatives were unable to put a gay marriage ban into the state constitution. indiana's law could hurt its economy. some groups are reconsidering plans to hold conventions in the midwestern state. the major indiana base angie's list postponed plans for expanding it's offices and hiring more staff. >> if the atmosphere is such in the state that we can't draw the talent they can't be comfortable, then i can't commit the company. >> apple's ceo tim cook declared his companies with deeply disappointed in indiana. professional athletes and film stars are spreading the ha

people in indiana, they're not alone. within the last hour the state of arkansas has passed their own religious freedom restoration bill. the bill now heads to the governor's desk and we'll bring you any developments from arkansas on this one. so the people in indiana, how are they reacting? they're calling for a full repeal of mike pence's religious freedom law. >> the religious freedom restoration act was about religious liberty, not about discrimination discrimination. as i said last week, had this law been about legalized discrimination, i would have vetoed it. this law does not give anyone a license to disdiscriminate. >> the wlajlanguage in the law does provide the opportunity to discriminate. pence said he wants the state legislature to fix the law. >> i would like to see on my desk before the end of this week legislation that is added to the religious freedom restoration act in indiana that makes it clear that this law does not give businesses the right to deny services to anyone. i believe this is a clarification

the heat that pence is getting now in indiana.of big name former pro athletes that are now coming out, dave raising their voices over this issue. charles barkley, reggie miller. so do you think that's going to have an impact on the situation? i mean, people listen, people follow them, people find them to be leaders. >> well, reggie miller of course has an incredibly elevated status in the state of indiana, all-time leading scorer for the indiana pacers. and charles barkley is a special case. i should say this is the first time in quite some time i can say i agree with charles barkley on just about anything. charles barkley not only said he was against this law, he also called for the final four to be moved. it's not just me saying this on your show. this is charles barkley. for folks out there who aren't sports fans, you have to know, charles barkley has been anchoring the ncaa's coverage of the entire tournament. from the beginning. so to have somebody who's anchoring the coverage say, you know what, this tournament should move,

wedding, is that legal now in indiana?nor pence: george, this is where the debate has gone with misinformation. george: answer the question, sir, yes or no. governor pence: there has been shameless rhetoric about my state, this law, and its intent, all over the internet. people are trying to make it about one issue, now you are doing that as well. amy: that was abc's george stephanopoulos questioning governor pence. for more, we are joined by eunice rho is advocacy and policy counsel for the american civil liberties union. welcome to democracy now! talk about the law. eunice: thank you for having me. there was a long passed following a native american was dismissed from his job and denied unemployment benefits. he challenged the decision as a burden on his religious belief, so the supreme court ruled against the native american religious believer. in response, congress and a to the federal religious freedom restoration act. amy: this is under president clinton and this is what he keeps citing, we're not doing anything clin

the governor of indiana insists the hoosier . state has been criticized unfairly. >>> plus iran agrees to extend negotiations >>> humanitarian groups warning the conflict in yemen has left half the population without water and millions without food. that is -- it's not enough. i think that he needs to protect lgbt as a class of people and, you know, i think he's just trying to save face at this point. >> critics want the entire law repealed and sexual orientation added as a protected class. something republicans have resisted saying it only protects religious liberties similar to other laws around the country. opponents say indiana's goes much further by protecting businesses not just individuals activists say it could allow stores to refuse to serve gay people. >> this piece of legislation flies in the face of the kinds of values people across the country. >>reporter: already businesses have threatened to pull out, conventions have been canceled and new york today throwing connecticut and washington and banning official travel t

signed by governor pence of indiana.the video. he's banned nonessential state travel to indiana from the state of north. after facing nationwide criticism, indiana's legislature is set to amend the controversial law because governor pence said i want it on my desk by friday. it's got to be fixed. how is that law to be changed? and will it be enough to calm the hoosier hoopla? paul millus is with us, a constitutional expert. you tried similar constitutional right cases like this. >> sure. liz: in its current form, governor pence said it needs to be fixed to prove there is no decision to in there. in current form is it discriminatory. >> you have some people have the right to be free from it. we're talking about the constitution. it could be deemed discriminatory if people act in a discriminatory fashion. from a constitutional standpoint, there's no question that there is no particular protection in the constitution for a private business to say to an individual based on the sexual orientation, i don't want to serve you. a

man, indiana. front page of the usa today today and a lot of talk about the fallout that continues in indiana over that new religious freedom law that critics are actually saying allows businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians. the indiana house speaker said the legislature would act as soon as possible to clarify the law but that's done very little to quiet the uproar. the cover of the indianapolis star that's in indianapolis this morning, fix this now. and nine indiana ceos have signed a all right that was zlifred to the governor calling for the bill to be revised saying they were deeply concerned about the impact it's having on employees and on the reputation of the state. the indianapolis-based ncaa which plans to hold a little basketball tournament there this coming weekend, it's stepping up the rhetoric. ncaa president said and he told espn, he's waiting for clarification from the state legislature and then he would make judgments about whether or not it changes the environment fo

la mujer transgÉnero, patrick hernÁndez afirma que se unirÁ contra indiana.ar el legado de chÁvez como defensor de los trabajos de campo. chÁvez dedicÓ su vida para hacer al paÍs mÁs libre y mÁs justo. con esto nos vamos, gracias por haber estado con nosotros, en nombre de todas las personas que hacen posible este noticiero. hasta maÑana. ♪ severiano: te propongo que hagamos una tregua: que dejemos de lado el asunto del santuario hasta que pase la boda. mira, ya despuÉs nos sentamos con calma tÚ y yo, nos tomamos unos tequilas, como los buenos compadres que somos, y lo discutimos serenamente, ¿te parece? humberto: ¿hablas en serio? severiano: compadre, tÚ sabes que soy un hombre de palabra. humberto: estÁ bien, acepto. severiano: [rÍe] pues, salud. simoneta: don severiano, no lo habÍa visto. ¿cÓmo estÁ usted? severiano: bien, bien, seÑora, gracias. simoneta: ¿no n

outside indiana an avalanche of criticism.icut has joined washington state in banning taxpayer travel to indiana. apple and angie's list have voiced loud critiques and the ncaa is reconsidering its investment there. >> we have to say all right what are we going to do if this law goes into effect in july and what's our relationship with the state of indiana going to be? >> reporter: indiana democrats say they have a solution to all the problems, repeal the law. meanwhile similar legislation is being considered in arkansas georgia and texas. susan saulny abc news washington. >> pennsylvania is among 19 other states that has a version of the freedom restoration act. some places ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender den t "good morning america" will have more on the debate ahead at 7:00 after this newscast. >> it is 4:38. we're working on more news you didn't see last night that's coming up next on "action news" at 4:30. >>> coyote goes on the lam. how did that coyote end up there. >> new jersey governor chris

. >>> indiana's governor takes his case to a national publication. he defending a controversial law. >>> and a report on a grass roots effort to keep families safe on easter monday at the national zoo. >>> we are learning more tonight about the final moments leading up to a deadly incident today at the nsa. >> two men dressed as women drove toward a security gate but they didn't get very far. we're joined from jessup maryland. >> reporter: we've learn eded -- baltimore when they made a very wrong turn. police will confirm only that the ford suv the suspects were riding in was stolen from a hotel in jessup this morning. the two men had spent a night in the room with the vehicle's imation shows the paet of the suv with the two suspects inside heading towards the nsa's employee only entrance. they drove toward a security gate. the suv turned and raised toward a police vehicle blocking the road. officers opened fire on the fast-approaching suv which then crashed into the police vehicle. . one suspect was killed the other remains in critical condition. a

now to indiana, they now say -- indiana -- they're going to clarify a controversial law to insure thatzens will not be denied services. the judge is here. all right, judge the law as it stands now before it's clarified, what is the constitutional status of that law? >> it's probably unconstitutional. i say probably because no one has tested this very law. stuart: why? >> but a very similar statute enacted by congress in the 1990s was invalidated by the supreme court. now here's the theory. the supreme court has ruled consistency and for many years that a person cannot use a religious objection to avoid complying with a general law. so i can't justify the slaughter of animals in my backyard on the grounds that it's part of my religion. nor could i justify the refusal to serve people in my shop or my restaurant who are of a surgeon race because it's part of -- who are of a certain race because it's part of my religion. the same principle of law prevents a state legislature from saying you can choose not to serve gays, lesbians and transgenders because it's against your religion. the reli

and traveled indiana while this is in effect -- and traveled indiana while this is in effect. if they wanted to bring in more skilled people and people looking for a free lifestyle to go with it as they do in many cities, i think it creates challenges in bringing in those people. cory: i have been amazed at the visceral reaction from marc benioff. he seems to have taken this on and trying to encourage a lot of people to speak on this. he posted on facebook late last night saying in response to this unjust legislation, we are reducing employee travel to indianapolis and canceling all marketing events requiring customers to travel to the state. we might offer financial assistance to salesforce employees impacted by the discriminatory environment and want to move out of indiana. to me, this is kind of unprecedented in modern times. the ceo of one of the biggest companies in the world is saying he will help people leave the state because of the laws passed. jerry: it is a strong statement in getting a lot of attention. there has been a lot of comment by businesses about the proble