Medford, Ore. — It’s a story that has made headlines. An Oregon judge is currently in the process of deciding how much the Christian owners of a Gresham bakery, who refused to sell a wedding cake to a lesbian couple because it was against their religion, must pay the couple.
Now a new law in Indiana that upholds religious freedoms is making waves across the nation and here on the west coast. Many people opposing the law say it opens a loophole allowing people to discriminate against others.
Janelle Wilson, theCoordinator at the Queer Resource Center at Southern Oregon University said discrimination can leave people feeling disregarded.
“It can be a very personal, deep cutting thing that you experience.It feels like you’re less than other people,” said Wilson who said she’s experienced discrimination based on her orientation. Wilson identifies as queer.
“You’re less of a person because of who you love. That’s really awful,” she continued.
The possibility of discrimination is a concern that’s spurring a major backlash against Indiana’s Republican Governor Mike Pence.
Pence signed a new religious freedom restoration law last week and despite the outcry said the law will not be changed.
“What we had hoped for with the bill was a message of inclusion, and inclusion of all religious beliefs.What instead has come out is a message of exclusion and that was not the intent,” said Representative Brian Bosma, a Republican and Indiana State House Speaker.
Critics see the new law as legal cover for discrimination against gays and lesbians.
“It opens the door to discrimination by allowing people to claim a religious exemption for not serving people because of their orientation,” said Julie Akins, the Executive Director of the Lotus Rising Project. The Lotus Rising Project is an organization that seeks to change communities and helplesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and ally people.
Akins said the new law in Indiana is a slippery slope because anyone could use their religion as an excuse to discriminate.
“You can believe whatever you want to believe, but that’s different than taking action that violates the trust and the order of law for other people,” said Akins.
Some people in the Rogue Valley said they can see both sides.
“It’s a really touchy subject. I could honestly go either way,” said Medford resident Michelle Burnette.
Others feel differently.
“My personal beliefs is do unto others what you would have done to you and if you just keep it that simple, you’re not going to be out there trying to hurt anyone or discriminate against anyone,” said Central Point resident Terry Senko.
In oregon, back in 2007, a law was passed that prevented people from discriminating against others on the basis of sexual orientation.
For now, Janelle Wilson along with many others across the nation, will be closely watching what happens in Indiana and hopinglawmakers there will change the controversial law.
Over the weekend Governor Pence said he would support legislation to “clarify the intent” of the law.
Seattle and Portland’s mayors have stopped all city funded trips to Indianaand a number of major U.S. corporations are opposing the law.
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