INDIANA: Angie's List Head Resigns, Might Launch Challenge Against Gov. Pence

Via the Indianapolis Star:

Bill Oesterle is quitting as CEO of Angie's List, saying he wants to re-enter state politics and help repair the "shellacking" Indiana's image took from the passage of the "religious freedom" act. The news caught both the state's business and political communities by surprise, and some see the move as a direct effort to unseat Gov. Mike Pence over his handling of the controversial issue. Oesterle, 49, co-founded the online consumer review company 20 years ago and has been its only chief executive. He hasn't been involved in state politics since he managed two-term Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' first election campaign in 2004. Oesterle's announcement amounts to "an announcement of trying to unseat a governor," said Andy Downs, director of the Mike Downs Center for Indiana Politics. "If you think about the individual positions that could have made a difference about this (RFRA), that's only one, that's the governor." "That is somebody who is saying either he is running for governor or is looking for somebody to run for governor," Downs said of Oesterle.

RELATED: NOM's month-old Angie's List boycott petition has stalled out at a whopping 4900 names.

Todd Starnes Has The RFRA Sadz

Tony Perkins Has The Indiana Sadz

"You may be wondering why legislators, who just last week overwhelmingly voted to protect religious liberty, would now introduce a new law that would use the government as a weapon against people who simply follow their beliefs on marriage. It isn't because the American people are clamoring for it. In fact, a new Rasmussen survey released just yesterday finds that 70 percent of Americans supports the right of a Christian wedding photographer to decline a same-sex ceremony. The answer is Big Business. Big corporations like Apple, Angie's List and Walmart are now putting religious freedom in a worse place than before RFRA was signed into law. Under this gutting law, even nonprofits deemed 'not religious enough' face government discrimination for declining to facilitate same-sex wedding ceremonies. If the government punishes people for living their faith, there are no limits to what government can control." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, via press release.

INDIANA: Gov. Pence Signs RFRA Fix Bill

All those wingnut calls for a veto went unheeded, but as with Arkansas, this is a meager "win" for our side as there are still no real statewide LGBT protections in Indiana. On the upside, local ordinances such the robust protections in Indianapolis remain intact.

INDIANA: Pence Gets RFRA "Fix" Bill

From the Indianapolis Star:

The Indiana House voted 66-30 to alter the divisive "religious freedom" law to remove fears that it would allow businesses to discriminate against gays and lesbians. The Indiana Senate voted 34-16 to OK changes to the "religious freedom" law. The measure now goes to Gov. Mike Pence, who has yet to say whether he'll sign the measure into law, veto it or let it become law without his signature.

Anti-gay groups are demanding that Gov. Pence veto the new version of the bill. While LGBT groups and allies have unanimously denounced the amended bill as inadequate, as yet none have called for a veto.

Letterman Mocks Indiana Gov. Mike Pence

(Tipped by JMG reader Jay)

Tony Perkins Turns On Mike Pence

"What the governor did today, and Mike's been a longtime friend of mine, but what he did is I think he emboldened his enemies and he enraged his friends. And there are people that are deeply concerned about the growing intolerance towards religious freedom in this country and they were very disappointed. There's no question about it. However this language, this fix, we've still not seen it yet and there's still an opportunity, I think, to salvage the heart and soul of what this religious freedom restoration act was intended to do."

More Wingnuts Turn On Mike Pence

REVEALED: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's Ugly History Of Anti-LGBT Advocacy

This afternoon Buzzfeed used the evil Wayback Machine to uncover the anti-LGBT positions staked out by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence back when he was running for Congress in 2000.  Business Insider gives us the recap:

"Congress should oppose any effort to recognize homosexual's as a 'discreet and insular minority' entitled to the protection of anti-discrimination laws similar to those extended to women and ethnic minorities," his website stated under the headline: "The Pence Agenda: A Guide To Renewing The America Dream." Pence's old campaign website contained several other controversial claims about the gay community. He apparently advocated ending the military's former "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy that allowed gays to serve if they did not disclose their sexuality. The text on his site indicated the rule was problematic because gays should not be allowed in the armed forces under any circumstances. "In addition to defense spending, Congress should lead a national debate on reforming the military by bringing an end to the 'don't ask/don't tell' policy of permitting homosexuals to serve in the armed forces. Homosexuality is incompatible with military service because the presence of homosexuals in the ranks weakens unit cohesion," his agenda stated. He also seemed to advocate government funding for organizations that encourage gays to renounce their homosexuality.

And then there's the part where Pence calls for the federal government to stop funding any HIV/AIDS organization that doesn't also denounce homosexuality. But he totally opposes discrimination today, so it's all good, right?  See the old site here. (Tipped by JMG reader Colin)

Todd Starnes Turns On Mike Pence

Could this be any more delicious?

LIVE VIDEO: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence Holds Press Conference On "Clarification"

Starting any minute. Watch it here.

Ted Cruz: I Stand With Gov. Mike Pence

“I want to commend Governor Mike Pence for his support of religious freedom, especially in the face of fierce opposition. There was a time, not too long ago, when defending religious liberty enjoyed strong bipartisan support. Alas, today we are facing a concerted assault on the First Amendment, on the right of every American to seek out and worship God according to the dictates of his or her conscience. Governor Pence is holding the line to protect religious liberty in the Hoosier State. Indiana is giving voice to millions of courageous conservatives across this country who are deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks upon our personal liberties. I’m proud to stand with Mike, and I urge Americans to do the same.” - Sen. Ted Cruz, posting last night to his campaign website.

INDIANA: Major Corporations Tell Pence To Fix RFRA And Protect LGBTs

Nick Offerman To Mike Pence: #Usuck

Parks And Recreation star Nick Offerman is married to Megan Mullally of Will & Grace fame. Last year I saw them in an odd two-person Off Broadway play called Annapuma. Offerman was nearly nude for the first fifteen minutes.

Tony Perkins Money Begs On Indiana

"A leftist-driven movement has spread misinformation about the law, threatened boycotts and fomented false rhetoric in the media and online. Even in our day, the price of freedom is steep, and Governor Pence is standing strong for freedom despite the cost. Efforts are about to pressure Governor Pence to support changing or amending the law to weaken it. All Americans who live according to their religious beliefs should be free from fear of government punishment. I stand with Governor Pence in his support of religious freedom as stated in the Indiana RFRA, and urge him to oppose all efforts to change the law." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, in an email that links to a Family Research Council donation page.

Indiana Catholics Applaud RFRA Law

"Until recently, it was simply unthinkable that one person would attempt to force another to act contrary to that person’s religious conscience. While American law and culture reserved the right to act against religious practices when there was clear evidence that they directly endangered the public health and safety, it was simply not acceptable to force a person to choose between God and Government. Notwithstanding the Hobby Lobby decision, this has changed in many respects in many states’ laws and regulations. SB 101 Religious Freedom Restoration Act establishes a legal standard that protects state interests as well as individuals and religious institutions. When there is a compelling state interest in the law or regulation, it must be done in the least restrictive manner thus protecting both the common good while respecting the conscience and religious freedom of all affected. The Catholic Church supports SB 101 RFRA as a prudent way to ensure the religious freedom of Hoosier individuals and institutions." - The Indiana Catholic Conference, via press release. (Tipped by JMG reader Brandon)

Freep This Indiana Poll

Right here. (Tipped by JMG reader Paul)

Freedom Indiana: We Can Fix This Mess

Freedom Indiana today announced a legislative proposal to counter the hate bill signed last week by Gov. Mike Pence.

“Governor Pence can’t answer the question, but we can,” said Freedom Indiana campaign manager Katie Blair. “It’s clear the RFRA, which has attracted so much local and national attention, is doing considerable damage to our state. Freedom Indiana is ready with a proactive legislative solution that will demonstrate our commitment to fair treatment for all and send the message that we’re open for business. We urge the General Assembly to act quickly and pass this into law.”

The “Fairness for All Hoosiers Act” legislative proposal would: Update the state laws against discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations to provide protections for LGBT Hoosiers; Clarify that the recently enacted RFRA cannot be used to allow discrimination prohibited under state or local laws.

“If we don’t act now, we will continue to do irreparable harm to Indiana’s economy and our ability to attract top talent and jobs to our state,” Blair said. “We’re presenting this solution as a way to start rebuilding our reputation and to move on from this harmful legislation by ensuring protections for all Hoosiers.”

CONNECTICUT: Gov. Dan Malloy To Ban State-Funded Travel To Indiana

Malloy's action follow similar orders from the mayors of San Francisco and Seattle. (Tipped by JMG reader Wayne)

Lambda Legal Calls Out Pence's Lies

Via press release from Lambda Legal:

Governor Pence continues to deceive the public about this deeply flawed law. Let's clarify a few things.

Gov. Pence myth: SB 101 is just like Illinois law that then-State Senator Obama voted to support.

Truth: Gov. Pence fails to point out that Illinois has robust nondiscrimination clauses in its state Human Rights Act that specifically protect LGBT people. Indiana does not. This matters because those seeking to discriminate in Indiana may claim that the lack of a statewide law barring sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination means that there is no compelling state interest in enforcing local ordinances providing such protections.

Gov. Pence myth: This law only reinforces established law in Indiana.

Truth: The language in SB 101 is so broadly written that someone can sue even without their religious beliefs having actually been burdened simply by claiming that is 'likely' to happen.

Gov. Pence myth: SB101 is just like federal law that President Clinton signed 20 years ago.

Truth: SB 101 is substantially broader than the federal law. The federal RFRA can only be invoked against government action. SB 101 goes much further, inviting discrimination by allowing religious beliefs to be raised as a defense in lawsuits and administrative proceedings brought by workers, tenants and customers who have suffered discrimination. In addition, SB 101 makes it easier to claim a burden on religious freedom than the federal RFRA by defining the 'exercise of religion' as 'any exercise of religion, whether or not compelled by, or central to, a system of religious belief.'

"If Governor Pence meant it when he said that SB101 isn't intended to allow discrimination against LGBT people, then why were amendments designed to make that explicit repeatedly rejected during the legislative process? If he truly means what he says, then he and the legislature should work together to add this language: 'This chapter does not establish or eliminate a defense to a claim under any federal, state or local law protecting civil rights or preventing discrimination.' And the Indiana government should include gay and transgender people within Indiana's protections from discrimination."

BOOM.