Clear message is that Hoosier business owners who discriminate will not have to advise customers of that fact

STATEHOUSE – Indiana House Republicans today sent a clear message that Hoosier business owners who choose to discriminate will not have to advise customers of that fact, according to State Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis).

Bartlett asked House members to include an amendment to Senate Bill 101—“religious freedom” legislation that increases legal protections for people who choose to discriminate against gays and lesbians—that would have required business owners to clearly announce their restrictions by posting a sign about it at their place of business. However, the proposal was rejected by the House Republican supermajority.

“It is my steadfast belief that Senate Bill 101 provides a license to discriminate against others under the guise of religious freedom,” Bartlett said.

“If we are going to pass this type of legislation, the least we can do is require them to advertise their beliefs. If you have the guts to discriminate, you should have the guts to put up a sign about it.”

Bartlett and others who spoke for the proposal said it would enable customers to avoid potentially embarrassing situations by going into businesses that have no intention of serving them by virtue of their sexual orientation.

“If you feel strongly enough that you do not want certain classes of people in your place of business, then I think the easiest way to avoid any problems would be to clearly announce your preferences in front of the business,” Bartlett said.

“The sign would have identified the certain groups or classes of individuals who would not be served because of the owner’s religious preferences,” he continued. “It would have stated the belief that serving these individuals would place great burdens on the owner.”

Bartlett noted that some House Republicans who spoke against his proposal claimed that it wasn’t needed because people are not allowed to discriminate in the United States.

“To claim such a thing in view of recent events—particularly in defense of a bill that gives people the clear right to discriminate—is hopelessly naïve at best,” Bartlett said.

“The only people who will benefit from this legislation will be the legal community. The lawsuits that will result from its implementation should make them rich beyond their wildest dreams.”