Indiana Struggles to Contain Growing Outcry Over 'Religious Freedom' Law

"Democracy Now!" airs weekdays at 9 a.m. PT on KCET.

As Indiana faces increasing pressure to repeal a new religious freedom law, Arkansas lawmakers have passed a similar bill that critics say could allow business owners to refuse service to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender customers in the name of religious freedom. Republican Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson has said he plans to sign the bill into law.

On Tuesday, the CEO of Wal-Mart, Arkansas's largest corporation, called for Hutchinson to veto the bill. Wal-Mart joins a growing number of corporations opposing the religious freedom bills. Nine chief executive officers, including the heads of Apple, Angie's List, and Eli Lilly, have spoken out in protest. A number of states and cities have also taken action, banning officials from traveling to Indiana. Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said he stood by the law on Tuesday, but urged lawmakers to reform its language.

"Democracy Now!" goes to Indianapolis to speak with Indiana State Senate Democratic leader Tim Lanane, who led his party's opposition to the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" before its passage.