New laws on slowpoke drivers, rape charges taking effect
The religious objections bill that sparked threats to boycott Indiana is the highest-profile state law taking effect Wednesday, but several dozen others also are officially going on the books.
The religious objections bill that sparked threats to boycott Indiana is the highest-profile state law taking effect Wednesday, but several dozen others also are officially going on the books.
In a second round of oral arguments regarding the University of Notre Dame’s challenge to the Affordable Care Act’s contraception mandate, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals not only remained dubious of the school’s assertions but also seemed perplexed as to why the case came back to the court.
The colorful fliers passed out by aides to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and House Speaker Brian Bosma last week highlighted what both called numerous accomplishments of this year’s legislative session.
Even before Gov. Mike Pence signed Senate Enrolled Act 101, even before the firestorm of protests started and the nation turned its attention to Indiana, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act appeared to be on its way to court.
Indiana lawmakers announced proposed changes Thursday to the state's new religious objections law aimed at quelling widespread criticism from businesses and other groups that have called the proposal anti-gay.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said Tuesday that he wants legislation on his desk by the end of the week to clarify that the state's new religious-freedom law does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.
A bill that proponents say would further protect religious freedom in Indiana “will more likely create confusion, conflict, and a wave of litigation” because it will confer a special status to religious rights, according to a letter signed by 30 law professors.