Rastafarian businessman (Shutterstock)
When Governor Mike Pence (R) signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law I'll bet he
never expected the backlash he's been getting!
Salesforce has stopped their plans to expand in Indianapolis, companies like Eli Lilly, Eskenazi Health, Angie's List, Pat McAfee and many others have joined the state-wide boycott.
One more piece of bad news for Pence; Ed Murray, Mayor of Seattle is banning all city-funded travel to Indiana. He joins San Francisco's Mayor, Ed Lee who has also banned city-funded travel. He states:
“I’m not doing this because I’m a gay man,” he explained. “You cannot say, ‘You can’t come into my restaurant because you’re black and it’s my religious belief not to serve you.’ That is a settled question.”
“Indiana’s S.B. 101 doesn’t reflect the values of our City. Seattle has been a leader in the fight to protect civil rights and ensure equality for all people – no matter who you are, or who you love,” Murray said. “This is why I am ordering that none of our taxpayer dollars should go toward supporting this discriminatory law. To those in Indiana today who are working hard in the fight for equality – know that Seattle stands with you as you continue your efforts to end discrimination and protect civil rights for everyone.”
Oh...but there's more just over the orange macaroon....
The Pandora's Box this Bill has opened also has some unintended consequences. And they've got me still giggling.
It seems the First Church of Cannabis has registered as a religious organization. The Holy Rollers (as I call them) has been accepted as a bona fide religious organization in Indiana. Their Church leader, Bill Levin wrote on his Facebook page:
“Status: Approved by Secretary of State of Indiana – “Congratulations your registration has been approved!” Now we begin to accomplish our goals of Love, Understanding, and Good Health.”
Levin is currently seeking $4.20 donations towards his non-profit church.
Originally intended to protect their religious constituents, the RFRA also opens the doors for other religions to register as recognized religions in the state. Indiana attorney and political commentator Abdul-Hakim Shabazz states:
that it is still illegal to smoke pot in Indiana, but wrote, “I would argue that under RFRA, as long as you can show that reefer is part of your religious practices, you got a pretty good shot of getting off scot-free.”
Noting that RFRA supporters say the bill “Only spells out a test as to whether a government mandate would unduly burden a person’s faith and the government has to articulate a compelling interest for that rule and how it would be carried out in the least restrictive manner,” Shabazz contends the law may tie the state’s hands.
Perhaps the Church of Satan will ally next!.
And as a footnote, even God has something to say about the Bill: