Attempts To Amend Religious Freedom Restoration Act Fail In House

House Republicans Thursday rejected several attempts by Democrats to change the so-called Religious Freedom Restoration Act, or RFRA.

RFRA says a government cannot encroach on a Hoosier’s religious beliefs unless it has a compelling interest to do so.  One of the most common fears about the measure is that it will sanction discrimination, particularly against the LGBT community. 

Indianapolis Democratic Rep. Ed DeLaney’s proposed amendment would have put broad language in the bill specifically saying that preventing discrimination is a compelling government interest.

“You pass this bill without this amendment, you’re sending a message that our local ordinances that protect people from the LGBT community, those ordinances are at risk,” DeLaney said.

But Osceola Republican Rep. Tim Wesco, RFRA’s sponsor, says DeLaney’s fears are unfounded.

“In the application of RFRA at the federal level and on the state level, the courts actually have held that preventing discrimination is a compelling government interest,” Wesco said.

The amendment was defeated 60-31 mostly along party lines, with just three Republicans breaking ranks to support it.