Travelore Update: Indiana And Arkansas Alter Their "Religious Freedom" Laws To Protect The LGBT Community

After public pressure all the way up to the White House, the governors of Indiana and Arkansas realized the implications of a recent "religious freedom" law allowing discrimination against the LGBT community. This law triggered letters by hospitality leaders, including Starwood Hotels and Resorts CEO to take a stand urging both governors to veto the law.

Today changes were implemented. The changes would prohibit businesses from using the law as a defense in court for refusing "to offer or provide services, facilities, use of public accommodations, goods, employment, or housing" to any customers based on "race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or United States military service."

It doesn't accomplish what the law's critics wanted most: Adding sexual orientation to the list of categories protected by Indiana's anti-discrimination law.

In the meantime junior Republican Senator from Arkansas Tom Cotton made headlines when he may have thought it could be a crime of being gay in the Unted States. In a CNN media interview he said: "In Iran they hang you for the crime of being gay."

Thomas Bryant "Tom" Cotton is the United States Senator from Arkansas. He was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Arkansas's 4th congressional district from 2013 until 2015

Visit Indiana - But Please No Gays! Honest To Goodness

Governor Mike Pence, Indiana

Honest to Goodness is the travel and tourism slogan for the U.S. State of Indiana. In February 2012 the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana hosted Superbowl. Travel, tourism,and events are income earners to the State demonstrating openness and diversity.

Today there is not much left of this diversity. A sign at the entrance of a restaurant in the U.S. State of Indiana says: No service for gays.

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act has put Indiana Governor Mike Pence, who signed it into law this week after several statements that he was "looking forward" to doing so, is today searching for answers after the bill created "the worst crisis of his political career," according to the Indy Star.

In response to this law, the major of Seattle, Washington posted on his Facebook this afternoon:

"Indiana's S.B. 101 doesn't reflect the values of the City of Seattle. Seattle has been a leader in the fight to protect civil rights and ensure equality for all people - no matter who you are, or who you love. This is why I am ordering that none of our taxpayer dollars should go toward supporting this discriminatory law. To those in Indiana today who are working hard in the fight for equality - know that Seattle stands with you as you continue your efforts to end discrimination and protect civil rights for everyone."

Now the Indiana Governor wants to clarify the law he just signed allowing discrimination in his State.

“I support religious liberty, and I support this law,” Pence said in an exclusive interview. “But we are in discussions with legislative leaders this weekend to introduce another bill to see if there’s a way to clarify the intent of the law.”

The governor, although not ready to provide details on what the new bill will say, said he expects the legislation to be introduced into the General Assembly this coming week.

Asked if that legislation might include making gay and lesbian Hoosiers a protected legal class, Pence said, “That’s not on my agenda.”

Among those who have come out publicly against the bill: the White House, the NCAA, global cloud computing company Salesforce, Yelp, George Takei, Audra McDonald, and many, many more....

Hundreds of people gathered outside the Indiana statehouse on Saturday to protest the new law.