This week, the Indiana state legislature voted into law a measure that opponents believe will lead businesses to cite religious grounds in discriminating against gays and lesbians.
Here's the language of the bill from the Indianapolis Star:
Senate Bill 101 prohibits state or local governments from substantially burdening a person's ability to exercise their religion — unless the government can show that it has a compelling interest and that the action is the least-restrictive means of achieving it. It takes effect July 1.
Although the bill does not mention sexual orientation, opponents fear it could allow business owners to deny services to gays and lesbians for religious reasons.
via Gov. Mike Pence signs 'religious freedom' bill in private.
Outcry toward the bill has been widespread. Protests surfaced Saturday in Indianapolis in opposition to the bill that was signed into law by Indiana's governor Friday. On Saturday, the NBA issued a joint statement with the Indiana Pacers and the WNBA's Indiana Fever:
"The game of basketball is grounded in long established principles of inclusion and mutual respect. We will continue to ensure that all fans, players and employees feel welcome at all NBA and WNBA events in Indiana and elsewhere."
Additionally, Pacers and Fever owner Herb Simon stated:
"The Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever and Bankers Life Fieldhouse have the strongest possible commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination on any basis. Everyone is always welcome at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. That has always been the policy from the very beginning of the Simon family's involvement and it always will be."
Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller both issued statements against the measure Friday.
"Discrimination in any form is unacceptable to me," Barkley said in the statement.
"As long as anti-gay legislation exists in any state, I strongly believe big events such as the Final Four and Super Bowl should not be held in those states' cities."
via NCAA tournament analyst Charles Barkley denounces Indiana law -- More Sports -- SI.com.
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— Reggie Miller (@ReggieMillerTNT) March 27, 2015According to the Washington Post, the
Suns, Bulls, Mavericks, Spurs, Rockets, Thunder, Pelicans, Magic, Heat, Grizzlies, and Sixers all operate in states with similar laws.
