What the debate over religious freedom and LGBT rights means in Indiana

INDYSTAR
By Chris Sikich, Indianapolis Star

A t left, supporters of adding LGBT protections rallied with Freedom Indiana. On the right, religious freedom advocates, who oppose adding LGBT protections, rallied with the Indiana Pastors Alliance. The dueling rallies took place at the Indiana Statehouse on Organization Day, Nov. 17, 2015. (Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar 2015 file photo)(Photo: Kelly Wilkinson/IndyStar 2015 file photo)

INDIANAPOLIS---What is religious freedom? Social conservatives and the religious right have been advocating for Congress, states and the courts to make clear people have the freedom to live as their religious beliefs and their consciences dictate. They generally oppose same-sex marriage, the idea that businesses should have to provide services for same-sex weddings, anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgenders and employers being required to provide health care options such as contraception. Hoosiers have heard a lot about religious freedom in recent years. The Indiana General Assembly likely will consider adding sexual orientation and gender identity to hate crimes legislation, but it seems unlikely to garner enough support in the GOP-controlled legislature. [More]