Indiana’s controversial religious freedom law is not the first. It is the 20th state to pass one.
Tennessee has had a religious freedom law for about six years.
Former Governor Phil Bredesen signed it into law July 1, 2009.
“The one that was passed in Tennessee in 2009. It was a matter of timing and a different atmosphere,” said WREG Political Commentator Otis Sanford.
He said he did not recall the law being controversial at the time.
In 2009, only four states had gay marriage.
Now, that number has grown to 37.
Sanford said Indiana’s law is under fire because, “the view is they are using religious beliefs to discriminate against gays and lesbians or anybody else that they feel, under religious pretense.”
Indiana Governor Mike Pence is adamant the new law does not legalize discrimination.
The Tennessee law states (continue reading)