News (USA)

Indiana legislative proposals: Washington florist to testify against LGBTQ protection bills

Indiana legislative proposals: Washington florist to testify against LGBTQ protection bills

A Washington state florist who became a national figure for refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding is scheduled to testify in Indiana against two LGBT rights bills that will be taken up by a state Senate committee.

Barronelle Stutzman, who was at the center of storm over gay rights for refusing the service, will speak Wednesday against the measures before the Indiana Senate Rules Committee. She says people should not be forced to participate in events that conflict with their beliefs.

The measures would extend civil rights protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

Lawmakers have struggled to address the issue since a furor last spring over a religious objections law that critics said would sanction discrimination against gay people.

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