Indiana Democrats repeat call for RFRA repeal

Indiana's Democrats on Tuesday said Republican Gov. Mike Pence has to take quick action and ditch the "religious freedom" law to undo the damage the measure has caused to the state's reputation.

House Minority Leader Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, said at a news conference that the remedy has to be clear, decisive and understandable and the fastest way to do that is to repeal the law. He said to push for anything less than a repeal would be incorrect.

Sen. Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, said the reaction over the law has mushroomed, going from does the law discriminate to does Indiana discriminate?

Instead of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, Lanane, the Senate Minority Leader, said that because of the backlash, the state now needs an "Indiana Reputation Restoration Act."

Lanane also said the state should take the opportunity now to make it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation. Adding such protections would be an acceptable compromise, he said.

The Democrats made their remarks in response to Pence's news conference Tuesday where he said he wanted a quick amendment to RFRA to make it clear that the law does not discriminate and that businesses should not be allowed to deny services to anyone.

Call Star reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter: @indystartony.