The cover for the Indianapolis Star for Tuesday features an editorial calling for reform of the state's contentious "religious freedom" law.(Photo: Indianapolis Star)
Indiana's largest newspaper is making a bold protest against the state's new religious freedom law, dedicating its entire Tuesday front page to the issue.
Karen Ferguson, publisher of The Indianapolis Star, tweeted out an image of the cover, which reads "FIX THIS NOW" in large, white letters in front of a black background on top of an editorial. "It's this important. Tuesday's front page," read the tweet.
The editorial piece condemns the law as one that interferes with the state's reputation as a welcoming place for people of diverse backgrounds, and suggests that the talk of clarification of the law from state legislative leaders are not enough.
"Only bold action — action that sends an unmistakable message to the world that our state will not tolerate discrimination against any of its citizens — will be enough to reverse the damage," the editorial reads. "Gov. Mike Pence and the General Assembly need to enact a state law to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodations on the basis of a person's sexual orientation or gender identity."
Reaction to the front-page editorial on the Facebook page of media columnist Jim Romenesko ranged from "courageous" to "attention-getting effort."
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, signed by Pence on Thursday, sets standards against which cases involving religious objections can be judged. What some believe this means is that it will allow for discrimination against gays and lesbians.
The Indianapolis Star joins legions of others who have condemned the law, including former secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, former Star Trek actor George Takei and the governors of Connecticut and Washington state, who have announced bans on state travel to Indiana.
On Monday night, Pence tweeted support for the law. "Faith & religion are important values to millions of IN residents," his tweet read. "W/passage of RFRA, IN will continue to respect beliefs of all Hoosiers."
In an editorial for the Wall Street Journal, Pence wrote: "I want to make clear to Hoosiers and every American that despite what critics and many in the national media have asserted, the law is not a 'license to discriminate,' either in Indiana or elsewhere. In fact, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act reflects federal law, as well as law in 30 states nationwide. Indiana's legislation is about affording citizens full protection under Indiana law.
The Indianapolis Star is owned by Gannett, which also owns USA TODAY.
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