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Last updated on Tuesday, March 31, 2015
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The debate continues over Indiana’s new religious freedom law.
Lawmakers and Hoosiers on both sides are reacting after Gov. Mike Pence took to the national stage to defend the law.
Leaders from both sides of the aisle held press conferences early Monday to react to the latest fallout from the law that is now stirring controversy around the country.
"In Indiana, we do not condone discrimination, we do not tolerate discrimination and we will not legislate discrimination," said Sen. Tim Lanane (D-Anderson).
Sen. David Long and House Speaker Brian Bosma spoke for Indiana Republicans, saying lawmakers will take immediate action to assure the Religious Freedom Restoration Act will not allow for discrimination.
"We need to step in and be sure that the waters are calmed," Bosma said. "If that requires a clarification, that's what we'll do."
Long said legislators didn't anticipate the negative reaction to the law that has poured in since Pence signed the bill last Thursday.
"It's terribly unfair what is being said about this great state," he said. "Hopefully by doing this, we'll put this whole issue to rest."
Speaking after the Republican leaders, Lanane called for the repeal of the law.
"They have no sense to how big of a problem this is," Rep. Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City) said. "People are angry, they're upset and they're insulted."
Pence appeared on ABC's "This Week" Sunday morning.During a tense interview with George Stephanopoulos, Pence defended what's called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, pointing to the fact that President Bill Clinton signed the federal version of the law in 1993.
But, many feel the law opens the door for discrimination, especially toward gay and lesbian Hoosiers.
Hundreds of people protested at the Statehouse this weekend, demanding the law be repealed.
Pence said he wouldn't back down, but he did offer a chance to clarify the legislation.
"We're not going to change the law. Okay," he said. "But if the General Assembly in Indiana sends me a bill that adds a section that reiterates and amplifies and clarifies what the law really is and what it has been for the last 20 years, then I am open to that."
Some believe that comment opens the door for a new conversation about what the law might do.
Both sides are hoping to ease some of the controversy in time for the Final Four this coming weekend.
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