Hoyer Statement on Indiana's Discriminatory Law

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on Indiana's discriminatory law that targets LGBT Americans:

"I am deeply disturbed by the enactment of a law in Indiana that, when it goes into effect, will almost certainly permit businesses in that state to discriminate against and deny service to LGBT Americans. LGBT individuals and families in Indiana and every state of our union deserve equal treatment and equal access. Through this law, Indiana has failed to meet its obligation to protect its citizens against discrimination.

"Just as the government has no role in promoting or infringing upon individuals' personal religious beliefs, neither does it have the authority to provide official sanction to discrimination of the kind too many Americans experienced during the period of segregation and Jim Crow. We must work together as one nation to root out bigotry and intolerance wherever it rears its ugly head - not encourage it. I urge the legislature and Governor of Indiana to repeal this shameless law quickly and, in doing so, affirm that they stand behind our nation’s core values and common decency."