Religious freedom law gets mixed reaction in NC

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Questions of religion and law swirl across the country tonight. Firestorms over the issue brewing in states like Indiana, Arkansas and possibly right here at home.

Indiana approved a religious freedom bill which some see as legalized discrimination. Others see it as their right to express their beliefs as they see fit. Across the county protests against these types of laws have been taking place. In North Carolina a similar law was being proposed in the republican controlled legislature. In essence if a business, or entity, didn’t want to do business with a customer because of the owner’s religious beliefs that would be ok.

“I think it is a great idea to be able to express your religion like freely. Like no matter what religion you have, but I don’t think it’s right to discriminate against people,” said Brantley Johnson

“I’m disappointed in Indiana; I’d be disappointed in any state that does it. I’m not sure why we are still denying rights in this day and age,” said Jacqueline Deluise.

Not everyone we talked with felt this way. Some folks did say that a business should be able to discriminate against whoever they want to, because it’s their business, but none of those people wanted to go on camera.

For their part it seems state republicans are backing off of the idea. Governor Pat McCrory saying on Monday to Charlotte radio station WFAE he didn’t think this kind of law was necessary in North Carolina.