Indy Star, Ballard speaking clearly: "Gov. Pence, fix 'religious freedom' law now."

Amid principled calls for the NCAA's Final Four to be moved from Indianapolis in protest of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, the city's Republican mayor is not mincing words.

Mayor Ballard: RFRA will not define Indianapolis (WISH TV)

Ballard said he is signing an executive order that will require anyone doing business with the city to abide by Indianapolis’ human rights ordinance.

Ballard also said the passing of RFRA will not define Indianapolis.

Perhaps New Albany's mayor will say something, at some point, perhaps after Mr. Disney says it's okay.

Meanwhile, the Indy Star -- not exactly a liberal bastion -- urges immediate passage of "a state law to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodations on the basis of a person's sexual orientation or gender identity."

In short: You Republicans who broke it, now go and fix it.

Editorial: Gov. Pence, fix 'religious freedom' law now

We are at a critical moment in Indiana's history.

And much is at stake.

Our image. Our reputation as a state that embraces people of diverse backgrounds and makes them feel welcome. And our efforts over many years to retool our economy, to attract talented workers and thriving businesses, and to improve the quality of life for millions of Hoosiers.

All of this is at risk because of a new law, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, that no matter its original intent already has done enormous harm to our state and potentially our economic future.

The consequences will only get worse if our state leaders delay in fixing the deep mess created.

Half steps will not be enough. Half steps will not undo the damage.

Only bold action — action that sends an unmistakable message to the world that our state will not tolerate discrimination against any of its citizens — will be enough to reverse the damage.

Gov. Mike Pence and the General Assembly need to enact a state law to prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, education and public accommodations on the basis of a person's sexual orientation or gender identity.