Obviously this anti-gay law hasn't been thought through. The governor of Indiana looks set to sign a new discrimination bill into law shortly that would give religious zealots the right to refuse service to gays. So far three conventions planned for Indianapolis have threatened to cancel if the law goes ahead. One of them, ironically, is a christian group.
In Indianapolis, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) sent a letter to Pence on Wednesday threatening to cancel its 2017 convention in Indy if he signs the measure into law.And why wouldn't you? What if business owners don't agree with serving Muslims? Where does it end?
"Our perspective is that hate and bigotry wrapped in religious freedom is still hate and bigotry," Todd Adams, the associate general minister and vice president of the Indianapolis-based denomination, told The Indianapolis Star.
Adams said the Disciples of Christ would instead seek a host city that is "hospitable and welcome to all of our attendees."
The Disciples of Christ has held its annual convention in Indianapolis three times since 1989. Adams expected about 8,000 to attend in 2017. VisitIndy estimated the economic impact at $5.9 million.
The church is one of three conventions to threaten to leave Indy. Gen Con, the city's largest annual convention with 56,000 attendees and a $50 million annual economic impact, also sent a letter to Pence threatening to leave if he signs the bill.
Chris Gahl, spokesman for VisitIndy, said the organizers of an annual music event also have threatened to leave if Pence signs the legislation. Gahl declined to disclose the name, saying the organizers haven't gone public yet.
VisitIndy joined major employers such as Salesforce Marketing Group, Eli Lilly and Co and the Indy Chamber in opposition to the legislation.
Other conventions have concerns, including Indianapolis-based Kiwanis International. The organization will draw 10,000 people to celebrate its 100th anniversary at a convention this June in Indianapolis.
"We have received inquiries from members asking if any of our international guests (of varying religions) might be denied service in Indianapolis. This is attention our city does not need," said Kiwanis International Executive Director Stan D. Soderstrom. more
George Takei has weighed in calling for a boycott of Indiana:
The Governor of Indiana has indicated that he will sign SB101—a law that allows businesses to discriminate against customers based on the proprietors’ religious beliefs. This bill is strikingly similar to one proposed—and vetoed due to public outcry—in Arizona. Such laws harken back to a time where our society was divided, and people of color were banned from white establishments. That is not our nation any longer, and those are not our values.
To the governor and to the legislators in Indiana who support this backward-looking and divisive bill, I say to you this: If it goes into effect, Indiana will be marked as a state where certain people are not welcome, and so we will not visit. We will not spend. And we will not attend events, including GenCon, the world’s largest gaming convention, held in Indianapolis each year. Many fans here are gamers, Governor Pence, and we will demand the convention move out of your state.
Fans, friends and especially you gamers, let Governor Pence know how you feel about this bill. Give him a call: 317-232-4567.
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