Gov. Inslee Rescinds Indiana Travel Ban

On the heels of Indiana officials modifying their Religious Freedom Restoration Act,  Gov. Jay Inslee pulled back the travel ban to Indiana for cabinet and top state officials.

Inslee issued the following statement Friday:

As noted in the memo, “Governor Mike Pence signed legislation amending the law and remedying the most egregious elements of the law. The new amendment prohibits businesses and individuals from refusing service or goods to potential clients based on that client’s sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics. This is a promising step toward greater cultural inclusion and acceptance for LGBT communities.”

The bill originally didn't have specific language that prevented businesses and individuals from refusing services towards same-sex persons or couples based upon religious principles and beliefs.  This modification basically makes the Indiana law like Washington state's Consumer Protection Act - the one that was used to sue Arlene's Flowers.

Critics say this modification renders a significant part of the new Indiana law basically worthless.  They point to federal use of the law to defend the use of illegal drugs for religious ceremonies (peyote),  Seventh Day Adventists receiving unemployment despite refusing jobs that required working on Saturdays, and allowing Muslims to wear attire that has been banned in some workplaces for security and other reasons. They say from a religious theological standpoint, it should be applied in the same manner.