Due to laws in places like Arkansas and Indiana businesses are using laws on religious freedom as an excuse to deny people service.
Photo By: Isabella Rivera, Photographer

By: Bobbi Zahn, Activities Manager

Governor Mike Pence of Indiana signed the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Quite of bit of commotion has been made over whether this law is fair. It not only allows for-profit businesses to exercise their religious freedom, but also allows for civil rights suits by individuals. These are the main issues that many people are complaining about and what sets it apart from previous Religious Freedom Restoration Acts, which ensured that religious freedoms are protected.

Junior Emmy Andrews says, “I see what they’re trying to accomplish, but I think it’s giving people the power to limit other’s basic human rights. I don’t think it’s fair that people can impose their religion on others in such a way that they’re denied service.”

The law itself doesn’t allow for business owners to deny service outright, but allows owners to use a religious defense in any legal pursuit such as a law suit. Unfortunately, the law is vague and allows business owners to refuse service and later defend their actions with an excuse related with religion.

Freshman Lizzie Dewick says, “I believe it has more negative consequences. Although the owner feels a certain way, the owner had to have known that they would deal with all kinds of customers. Denying business not only leads to riots but lack of business.”

One example of how this act has impacted communities is the incident involving Memories Pizzeria. The restaurant refused to serve a same-sex married couple and, as a consequence, has received backlash for the actions. This includes many negative internet comments, boycotts, and discrimination against the restaurant and law.

Sophomore Logan Williams says, “I don’t believe that it’s right Indiana’s government passed this law. No matter what anyone believes in, they’re still a person and deserve the right to be served.”

Supporters of the law believe that it helps keep the government from infringing on religious freedom. The law itself does not give businesses the right to deny service, however, it does allow for religious reasoning to be a defense in a legal dispute.

Senior Tyler Shoemaker says, “I work in the food-service industry, and I can see the pros and cons of this law. I get what they intended, but I don’t think it’s being perceived that way by the public. I don’t agree with it because everyone should have equal service.”

However, many of the opponents believe that it will only hinder in the support of the gay community and allow for discrimination. Governor Mike Pence’s ratings have decreased since he signed the bill. Many other states refuse to sign similar bills due to this backlash.