White House says Indiana law is different from federal one


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WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House doesn't agree with the statement by Indiana's governor that his state's new religious-freedom law is just like a federal law from more than 20 years ago.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says the Indiana law marks a "significant expansion" over the federal law -- because it applies to private transactions, and not just those involving the government.

In defending the law today, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said it's similar to the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, and to the laws that have been passed in other states.

But critics have said the Indiana law is designed to protect businesses and individuals who don't want to serve gays and lesbians -- such as florists or caterers who might be hired for a same-sex wedding.

Pence said he doesn't believe Indiana lawmakers wanted to "create a license to discriminate." He said he wants to see legislation on his desk by the end of the week to clarify that the law doesn't allow discrimination against gays and lesbians.

But Democrats in the Indiana legislature say nothing less than a repeal will do.

Businesses and organizations including Apple and the NCAA have voiced concern over Indiana's law, and some states have barred government-funded travel to Indiana.

%@AP Links

181-w-34-(Mark Smith, AP White House correspondent, with Governor Mike Pence, R-Ind., and Josh Earnest, White House press secretary)--Indiana's governor is asking the legislature to send him a measure that -- using the word of the day -- "clarifies" the state's controversial religious objections law. AP White House Correspondent Mark Smith reports. (31 Mar 2015)

<<CUT *181 (03/31/15)££ 00:34

173-a-11-(State Representative Scott Pelath (PEE'-lahth) , D-Michigan City, at news conference)-"in the 1950s"-State Democratic Representative Scott Pelath says Governor Mike Pence is out of touch with the realities of today. (31 Mar 2015)

<<CUT *173 (03/31/15)££ 00:11 "in the 1950s"

169-a-09-(Josh Earnest, White House press secretary, at news conference)-"changing the law"-White House press secretary Josh Earnest says Indiana's religious-objections law goes against American values. (31 Mar 2015)

<<CUT *169 (03/31/15)££ 00:09 "changing the law"

APPHOTO INDC110: Indiana Gov. Mike Pence speaks question during a news conference Tuesday, March 31, 2015, in Indianapolis. Pence said 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. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) (31 Mar 2015)

<<APPHOTO INDC110 (03/31/15)££

APPHOTO INDC101: This photo shows the front page of The Indianapolis Star on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. The newspaper is urging Indiana lawmakers in a front-page editorial to respond to widespread criticism of a new religious objections law by protecting the rights of gays and lesbians. (AP Photo/The Indianapolis Star) (31 Mar 2015)

<<APPHOTO INDC101 (03/31/15)££

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