'FIX THIS NOW': Indiana's largest newspaper hammers 'religious freedom' law in front-page editorial

The Indianapolis Star, the biggest newspaper in Indiana, called on Gov. Mike Pence (R) and Republican legislators to repair the damage already caused by the passage of the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" in a front-page editorial released online on Monday night.

"We are at a critical moment in Indiana's history," the editorial states. "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."

The state now faces boycott threats and Pence has been hit with political criticism and outright mockery online as a result of his support for the law.

Consequently, the Star argues, only "bold action" can salvage the situation.

"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," the editorial states. "Those protections and RFRA can co-exist. They do elsewhere. Laws protecting sexual orientation and gender identity are not foreign to Indiana."

The newspaper reaches more than 335,000 readers for its daily edition. The Star's president and publisher, Karen Ferguson, posted a picture of the editorial on Twitter, saying, "It's that important." The image can be seen in its entirety below.