By Jose Serrano (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Mar 29, 2015 08:52 PM EDT
Tags indiana gov. mike pence, mike pence, religious freedom and restoration act, religious freedom, anti-gay law, LGBT, rfra, Indiana anti-gay law, Indiana anti-gay law, SB101, Anti gay bill, Indiana Anti gay bill, Indiana bill, Indiana law, Social media reaction, Indiana Religious freedom law

Widespread criticism over a new state law many consider discriminatory didn't stop Indiana Gov. Mike Pence from defending his stance on Sunday.

"We're not going to change the law," Pence said in an exclusive with ABC, "but if the general assembly in Indiana sends me a bill that adds a section that reiterates and amplified and clarifies what the law really is and what it has been for the last 20 years, then I'm open to that." When pressed if the "religious freedom" law discriminates against members of the LGBT community, the Republican governor said it is meant to empower people.

Pence said an "avalanche of intolerance" has been pour on Indiana over Senate Bill 101, adding "tolerance is a two-way street."

Proponents of the Indiana Religious Freedom and Restoration Act say it protects government from intervening on a business' religious rights. Opponents argue it give businesses carte blanche to turn away individuals based solely on their sexual orientation; a point Pence did not confirm or deny.

Pence told the Indianapolis Star a new bill would be introduced within the next few days clarifying the new law, but did not comment on potential changes.

Thousands gathered outside Indiana's statehouse over the weekend; boisterously chanting "this is what democracy looks like" while carrying signs that read "No H8" and "God Welcomes Everyone." Backlash on social media was more damning with everyone from Hillary Clinton to Larry King to chiming in.

Like Pence, some argue that 20 other states already have similar laws in place. New York Sen. Chuck Schumer sponsored and President Bill Clinton initially passed the federal law in 1993.

On Saturday, Angie's List founder and CEO Bill Oesterle said the consumer review service is suspending its planned $40 million expansion in Indianapolis because of the law. Apple CEO Tim Cook and Yelp CEO offered similar responses.

Former NBA players Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller announced their opposition for the law. Barkley called for the NCAA to pull next weekend's lucrative Final Four out of Indiana.

For his part, NCAA President Mark Emmert issued a statement saying the non-profit organization is "especially concerned about how this legislation could affect our student-athletes and employees." Emmett and the NCAA's offices are in Indianapolis. They have a history of backing progressive causes, publicly speaking out against a proposed amendment banning gay marriage last year.

The measure goes into effect in July. Asked if making gays and lesbians a protected class in the state, Pence said "That's not on my agenda."

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