Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) penned an op-ed in The New York Times that chastised "left-wing activists" and others who "bully" lawmakers into backing away from laws he says protect religious freedom.
Jindal criticized Republican governors in Indiana and Arkansas who asked lawmakers in their states to revise so-called "religious freedom" bills that many said opened the door for businesses to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.
"It was disappointing to see conservative leaders so hastily retreat on legislation that would simply allow for an individual or business to claim a right to free exercise of religion in a court of law," Jindal wrote.
Jindal noted how Louisiana adopted a Religious Freedom Restoration Act in 2010, but said he'd work this year to fight for passage of the Marriage and Conscience Act, which would protect the rights of individuals and businesses who believe marriage is between a man and a woman.
Our country was founded on the principle of religious liberty, enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Why shouldn’t an individual or business have the right to cite, in a court proceeding, religious liberty as a reason for not participating in a same-sex marriage ceremony that violates a sincerely held religious belief?
That is what Indiana and Arkansas sought to do. That political leaders in both states quickly cowered amid the shrieks of big business and the radical left should alarm us all.
As the fight for religious liberty moves to Louisiana, I have a clear message for any corporation that contemplates bullying our state: Save your breath.
Jindal also reiterated his stance against gay marriage, despite polls that show national support for gay marriage has reached record highs.
"I hold the view that has been the consensus in our country for over two centuries: that marriage is between one man and one woman," Jindal wrote. "Polls indicate that the American consensus is changing -- but like many other believers, I will not change my faith-driven view on this matter, even if it becomes a minority opinion."
Read Jindal's full op-ed at The New York Times.
CORRECTION: This post was updated to reflect Jindal was criticizing the governor of Indiana, not Illinois.
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