Indiana Legislature to Take up Religious Freedom Bill

THE COURIER JOURNAL
By Tom Davies, Associated Press

INDIANA---Broadly worded proposals backed by conservative lawmakers that would give the state's residents and businesses expansive religious freedom protections will be discussed in the Indiana Legislature in the coming weeks. One of the proposals, sponsored by Republican Sen. Scott Schneider, would prohibit any state laws that "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs, and extends the definition of a "person" to include religious institutions, businesses and associations. Schneider, R-Indianapolis, declined to discuss the specifics of the proposal this week, saying he would comment closer to a scheduled Feb. 9 committee hearing. [link]