Indiana Gov. Mike Pence says he would support legislation to "clarify the intent" of a new state law that has attracted widespread criticism over concerns it could allow discrimination against gay people.
In an interview Saturday with the Indianapolis Star, the Republican governor said he's been in discussions with legislative leaders this weekend. He expects that a clarification bill will be introduced this coming week to the religious objections law he signed Thursday.
He declined to provide details but told the newspaper that making gay and lesbian Indiana residents a protected legal class is "not on my agenda."
Pence disputes the contention that the law allows state-sanctioned anti-gay discrimination, as some Indiana businesses, convention organizers and others have argued. He says he didn't anticipate "the hostility that's been directed at our state."
Also Saturday, the founder of Angie's List said the consumer review service is suspending its plans for a $40 million expansion in Indianapolis because of Indiana's new religious objections law.
Founder and CEO Bill Oesterle said in a statement Saturday the expansion that called for adding 1,000 jobs over five years is now on hold "until we fully understand the implications of the freedom restoration act on our employees."
The law signed Thursday by Gov. Mike Pence has spurred protests from businesses and on social media amid concerns it could sanction discrimination against gays.
Oesterle says the Indianapolis-based company is now "reviewing alternatives for the expansion of its headquarters."
Angie's List was seeking an $18.5 million incentive package from the City-County Council. The council had delayed a decision on that proposal.
Associated Press
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