Kathleen Wynne slams Indiana’s religious objections law

TORONTO – Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, who is openly gay, is urging businesses upset by a so-called religious objections law in Indiana to set up shop in her province.

The Indiana law, which takes effect July 1, does not specifically mention gays and lesbians, but critics say it is designed to protect businesses and individuals who do not want to serve gays and lesbians.

Wynne says it’s completely unacceptable that in the twenty-first century such a “discriminatory law” would be in place and would be used to divide people and create hostility.

She says she’ll raise the controversial law with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence if he attends this year’s meeting of Great Lakes governors and premiers.

Wynne says Ontario does “a fair bit of trade” with Indiana, and while she didn’t threaten to curtail that business, she did urge companies looking for a more open, non-discriminatory jurisdiction to consider her province.

Pence said Tuesday he stands by the law but acknowledged that Indiana has a “perception problem,” and urged lawmakers and business leaders to address concerns that the bill would allow discrimination.