Business leaders and celebs speak out against Indiana law

SUPPORTERS of gay rights have united in outrage after the US state of Indiana adopted a law critics say would allow businesses to deny service to homosexuals on religious grounds.

“It is vitally important to protect religious freedom in Indiana,” the Republican goveor said in a statement.

“It was therefore important to pass Senate Bill 101 in 2015 in order to help protect churches, Christian businesses and individuals from those who want to punish them because of their Biblical beliefs!”

But activists say it effectively makes it legal for Indiana businesses whose owners reject homosexuality on religious grounds to tu away LGBT customers.

“They’ve basically said, as long as your religion tells you to, it’s okay to discriminate against people,” said Sarah Warbelow, legal director of the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s biggest gay rights group.

Cloud computer giant Salesforce — one of many big corporations that spoke out against the legislation — said it will cut back on its Indiana investments.

Today we are canceling all programs that require our customers/employees to travel to Indiana to face discrimination. http://t.co/SvTwyCHxvE — Marc Benioff (@Benioff) March 26, 2015

Apple chief executive Tim Cook, in a rare Twitter post, said his company was “deeply disappointed,” and called on Arkansas Goveor Asa Hutchinson to veto a similar measure now on its way to his desk.
“Apple is open for everyone,” Cook said.

Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana's new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228. — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015

Around the world, we strive to treat every customer the same — regardless of where they come from, how they worship or who they love. — Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015

Gen Con, the world’s biggest gaming convention with 56,000 attendees last year, said it might stop holding the event in Indianapolis, the state’s main city, where it said it contributes more than $50 million to the economy.

The powerful National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), hosting the US men’s college basketball finals in Indianapolis next week, said it was “especially conceed” how the law would affect its student-athletes and employers.

Hillary Clinton also weighed in on the debate.

Sad this new Indiana law can happen in America today. We shouldn't discriminate against ppl bc of who they love #LGBT http://t.co/mDhpS18oEH — Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 27, 2015

Hollywood stars joined the furore via social media, where actor Ashton Kutcher likened the law to anti-Semitism and singer Miley Cyrus hurled an expletive at Pence.

Indiana? Seriously? Really? Bravo Salesforce for taking a stand. @benioff Hope more companies follow. http://t.co/g8K9DNZjps — ashton kutcher (@aplusk) March 27, 2015

Indiana are you also going to allow Christian establishments to ban Jews from coming in? Or Vice Versa? Religious freedom??? #OUTRAGE — ashton kutcher (@aplusk) March 27, 2015

Gay rights have made big strides in recent years, with marriage equality recognised in 37 states after the US Supreme Court in 2013 ruled that federal law could not discriminate against wedded LGBT couples.

Senate Bill 101, however, is styled on a 1993 federal law, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, that makes it illegal for Washington to “substantially burden” an individual’s freedom of religion.

Eighteen other states have adopted similar laws, including some like Kentucky, Tennessee and Texas with constitutions that ban same-sex marriage.

Throngs of people gathered outside the Indiana Statehouse on Saturday, some carrying “no hate in our state” signs.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, a Republican who opposed the law, said he and other city officials would be talking to many businesses and convention planners to counter the uproar the law has caused. “I’m more conceed about making sure that everyone knows they can come in.”

Around the state, stickers touting “This business serves everyone” have been appearing in many businesses’ windows, and groups such as the Indiana Chamber of Commerce have taken to social media with messages that the state is full of welcoming businesses.

Indianapolis’ tourism and convention business is estimated to have a $4.4 billion annual economic impact with some 75,000 jobs. Chris Gahl, a vice president with the tourism agency Visit Indy, said: “We know that their ability to work is largely dependent on our ability to score convention business and draw in events and visitors.”

Goveor Mike Pence argues the law is about protecting religious freedom. Source: AP