Indiana Showdown Intensifies over Religious vs. Gay Rights

There is vocal opposition on both sides of Indiana's latest attempt to balance civil rights protections for homosexuals and religious rights for people with sincerely held beliefs.

The state senate's rules committee passed a GOP-sponsored bill Wednesday that critics say would sanction discrimination against gay people.

Indiana's debate over the issue attracted the attention of the florist in Washington state who made headlines for refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding.

Barronelle Stutzman testified that people should not be forced to participate in events that conflict with their beliefs.

"If you vote for these bills, you will be sending a message to the citizens of Indiana that share my beliefs about marriage that they will not be tolerated," Stutzman testified.

The future of this bill is not clear. Republican Gov. Mike Pence has said he prioritizes religious freedom over LGBT rights.

The state senate did not take action on a second measure that would have extended civil rights protections on both sexual orientation and gender identity.