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“Religious Freedom” Act: Shield or Sword?

America is known as the land of the free, but as with all things in life, it comes with some loopholes. With “The Crossroads of America” as their slogan, Indiana has, frankly, always been a forgettable state. However, they have now put themselves on the map for all the wrong reasons.

Arkansas and Indiana each passed a bill in March to supplement the 1993 Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The recent controversy, however, stems from the question of whether the new bill’s purpose is to protect religious freedom or serves as an opportunity to discriminate.

The act was originally intended to protect Native Americans who were failing drug tests after using peyote, a drug used for their sacred, ceremonial purposes. However, the act led to bills, which allowed corporations to discriminate based on their own religious beliefs and reasons. How ironic.

Democrats have, mostly, spoken out about how they believe businesses and individuals are only justifying their discriminatory actions as religious freedom; whereas Republicans have been more in support of exercising religious freedom, be it a business or an individual.

“There has been a lot of misunderstanding about this bill,” Indiana Governor Mike Pence said March 26. “This bill is not about discrimination, and if I thought it legalized discrimination in any way, I would’ve vetoed it.”

The public didn’t buy it, as their responses were predominately negative. Boycotts on Indiana began immediately after the bill was signed, moving businesses and individuals across America to cut ties with the state.

Due to the immense uproar, Governor Pence modified the law, ultimately undermining it, on April 2. He said he still strongly believes that the criticism was due to a “perception problem,” but with the state’s economy and reputation at risk, measures had to be taken to stop the boycotts.

The amendment he signed included anti-discrimination safeguards. The revisions included the nullifying of the clause that would allow businesses to refuse services to people based on religious belief, but it did not add specific protection for the LGBT community.

The backlash is more significant toward Indiana due in part to Governor Pence’s nonchalant attitude toward the issue. However, many citizens are unaware of Arkansas’s nearly identical policies and even more are completely oblivious to the other 21 states that have some degree of religious freedom laws. Maybe it’s ignorance, or maybe they are just uneducated on the extent and history of the issue.

The question America is now facing is whether or not it is possible to formulate a religious freedom law that satisfies all sides and is able to help rather than hinder both sets of individuals: the people with strong religious backgrounds as well as the discriminated against minorities.

Several prominent, iconic figures have voiced their opinions on the debacle, and all of them felt very strongly about the issue. Chief Executive of Apple Tim Cook wrote an opinion column in the Washington Post expressing the dangers of the new law.

“This isn’t a political issue,” Cook said. “It isn’t a religious issue. This is about how we treat each other as human beings. Opposing discrimination takes courage. With the lives and dignity of so many people at stake, it’s time for all of us to be courageous.”

Criticism toward Senator Tom Cotton was spurred because of previous statements made implying that the critics of Indiana’s actions should be thankful that the state doesn’t execute gays.

“I think it’s important we have a sense of perspective.” Cotton said. “In Iran, they hang you for the crime of being gay.”

Miley Cyrus was slightly less professional with her means of emphasizing her apparent distaste and took to Twitter to encourage her fans to harass Cotton.

“Let’s stir some sh*t up! Senator Cotton (202) 224-2353!!!! Happy Hippies call & express why freedom is important to us & our country!” Cyrus tweeted.

Although unconventional, Cyrus’s efforts were successful in getting young people involved. The same can be said about Rihanna, who took time at her concert in Indiana to discuss the matter before beginning her hit song “Live Your Life”.

“Who’s feeling these new bullsh*t laws that they’re trying to pass over here?” she said. “I said, ‘F*ck that sh*t!’ I wanna hear you say, ‘F*ck that sh*t!’”

Perhaps one of the most surprising outspoken personalities was Republican Arnold Schwarzenegger. He said he was furious and concerned for the future of the Republican Party’s next generation of voters. He said he believes that the party should focus on ideas and solutions to real problems.

I don’t believe the issue is being overblown. It seems that the original bill was purposefully phrased to stir up inequality, yet politicians tried to minimize concern by claiming that nothing new has been implemented.

The distress experienced by those being refused service is far worse and mentally debilitating than any slight discomfort felt by the religious person who is obligated to open their business to all. We are called the melting pot for a reason, people.

If anything positive can be taken away from the series of events, it is the impact of the media and how every small voice in America can easily become a large shout in uniting and fighting an unfair issue.

It was clear where the majority of vocal social media users stood on the issue when #BoycottIndiana far surpassed #StandWithIndiana in trending on Twitter.

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