Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Pence would not say whether business owners in that state would be punished if they denied service to gays or lesbians under the controversial “religious freedom” bill he signed into law Thursday.
“It’s a red herring,” Pence told George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “This Week” Sunday.
Stephanopoulos asked multiple times whether business owners would be punished for discrimination, but Pence, showing visible frustration, refused to answer.
The host also noted that Indiana, unlike many other states, lacks anti-discrimination laws against gays and lesbians. Pence said he would not push for such laws.
“I understand that there’s been a tremendous amount of misinformation and misunderstanding around the bill,” Pence said. “I’m just determined to clarify this. This is about protecting the religious liberty of people of faith and families of faith.”
National businesses and conventions have threatened to leave the state. Opponents, including “Star Trek” actor George Takei, have cried out against the bill.
