Pence Praises "Religious Freedom" Bill

The Indiana House has approved by a wide margin a proposal that supporters say would add greater protections for religious objections into state law.

House members voted 63-31 Monday to support the Republican-backed bill would bar any state laws that "substantially burden" the religious beliefs of an individual, business or religious institution.

Supporters say it's modeled on a federal religious freedom law passed in 1993. Critics maintain it could provide legal cover for discrimination against gay people.

Rallies in support and against the bill have been held in the Statehouse in recent weeks, and clergy members have testified on each side.

In a statement, Gov. Mike Pence applauded lawmakers for passing the legislation that he says is about "respecting and reassuring Hoosiers that their religious freedoms are intact."  He said said he plans to sign the bill once it reaches his desk.