Union: Indiana law ‘intended to limit human rights’

A union that represents public transportation workers is criticizing Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) for signing a state law that critics say would allow businesses to deny service to gay people.

“ATU opposes all legislation intended to limit human rights,” Washington, D.C.-based Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International President Larry Hanley said in a statement. 

“Each day, our members all across North America proudly serve millions of transit passengers of all races and religions, whether they are straight or part of the LGBT community,” Hanley continued. “If you pay your fare, it doesn’t matter what you look like or who you love. That’s what public transportation is all about.” 

{mosads}Under the Indiana statute, business owners are exempt from actions that would place a “substantial burden” on their religious beliefs. Opponents of the law say the language could allow wedding vendors to deny service for same-sex ceremonies, for example.

The law has drawn a storm of criticism. Connecticut, New York and Washington, D.C., have moved to ban government-funded travel to Indiana in response to the legislation. 

Pence called Tuesday morning for state lawmakers to quickly pass a fix to calm fears about discrimination against gay residents. 

“It would be helpful to move legislation this week that makes it clear that this law does not give businesses the right to deny services to anyone,” Pence said at a press conference Tuesday morning.

“We want to make it clear that Indiana is open for business, we want to make it clear that Hoosier hospitality is not a slogan, it’s our way of life.”

The ATU’s Hanley said Tuesday that Pence was kowtowing to social conservatives by signing the controversial legislation.  

“Perhaps Mike Pence and his extremist friends in the Indiana Legislature who are engaged in a transparent effort to hide behind religion should get on the bus more often and see what America,” Hanley said.