ALEXIS PRICE | OPINION COLUMNIST
I suppose I can just cut right to the chase: What is the deal with Indiana’s new Religious Freedom Bill? Frankly, I do not see why there is any controversy. There are currently 19 other states with similar bills in place, and Indiana’s law is much less discriminatory, according to an article from Fox59. After all, Gov. Mike Pence said in a press conference that if the law was discriminatory in any way, he would have vetoed it. So, it must be justified—history shows that politicians always know where that fine line is between bigotry and impartiality.
Therefore, as Fox59 so eloquently put it, “Why, if this is already state law in nearly half the country and if it has been federal law for more than 20 years, is there now such uproar?”
Indiana did just recently allow same-sex marriage within the state via the U.S. Supreme Court refusing to consider appeals from several states to overturn court decisions striking down those states’ bans on same-sex marriage, and this other new law could arguably be a way to negate that. But no, that is probably not even a possibility.
But many individuals and organizations are combatting this law by refusing to hold any significant, crowd-drawing events in our state. Gen Con, one of the largest conventions annually held in Indiana, has threatened to change locations. Events such as Gen Con have brought positive traffic and extensive economic benefits to the state. But who cares if we are losing money and tourist attractions, as long as we are supporting our beliefs—because we all know that is what politics are really about.
But more importantly, this law can help us counter society’s sinners. Among many arguments regarding the bill, the idea that restaurants, for example, would be allowed to deny service to same-sex couples has been the most prevalent. So, if we are going to stop serving individuals carrying out their homosexual desires—essentially sinning—we might as well stop serving all the sinners.
After all, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 reads, “Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
So, have you had sex before marriage? Watch out; we’re going to start asking at the door when you lost your virginity. Are you a little overweight? Sorry, but gluttony is a sin, and restaurants cannot serve you the food that encourages that. You tend to be a little heavy on the drinking, we hear. I am sorry, sir, but we cannot serve you that beer. Are you a car salesman? I had a man swindle me out of $3,000 on my Jeep; I do not think it would be right of my company to serve someone who supports that.
However, in his most recent press conference Tuesday, Pence stated that, with many, there has been a “perception problem.” and “reckless reporting by some in the media.” Because he claims this law will not allow discriminatory acts in any way, but there are intentions to clarify the law.
“The language is still being worked out,” he said.
Which only makes it even more of a reason to sign the bill, of course. Why would one actually wait to release something until all the kinks are worked out? What an absurd thought.
1 Peter 4:8 reads, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”
But I say we overlook that entirely.
Love thy neighbor, but only when convenient. Tolerance and open-mindedness are overrated, anyway.
Cartoon by Audrey Meyer
