During a press conference Tuesday, Indiana Governor Mike Pence announced he will work to craft new legislation this week that outlaws businesses from discriminating against LGBT customers.
“I abhor discrimination,” the Governor said, announcing after much thought and consultation with people in his state, he decided to spearhead new language in the legislation that will make it clear businesses can’t deny services to anyone.
The Governor criticized the media: “Some of the national reporting on this has been ridiculous,” saying the media has misrepresented the law since it was passed and have been irresponsible.
Pence appeared on “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos Sunday, refusing to answer a yes or no question on whether the law gives license to discriminate against LGBT people.
“If we focus on the principle misperception, we will garner support,” Pence said.
“I don’t support discrimination against gays, or lesbians, or anyone else,” he continued. “No one should be harassed or discriminated against because of who they are or who they love.”
The Governor said the issue of discrimination has been a guiding principle throughout his life, citing Martin Luther King Jr. as one of the heroes of his life. He also said working with Congressman John Lewis on the 45th anniversary of the Selma March, and walking across that historic bridge with him, was one of the best experiences of his life.
Pence concluded that it’s “deeply offensive to him and millions of hoosiers” that they’ve been labeled as discriminator over a law that he claims doesn’t discriminate.
It should be noted, Pence, has been rumored to be a presidential contender on the Republican side.