Despite pressure from opponents, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) signed a "religious freedom" bill into law on Thursday during a private ceremony not open to the press.
Senate Bill 101 prohibits state or local governments from burdening a person's ability to exercise their religion, and takes effect July 1, The Indianapolis Star reports. While it does not mention sexual orientation, critics of the bill are afraid it could lead to people being able to deny services to gays and lesbians on religious grounds. Opponents say the timing of the bill is also suspicious, as it comes after last year's unsuccessful attempt to get a same-sex marriage ban added to Indiana's constitution.
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