Hundreds rallied up in front of the Indiana Statehouse on Saturday with some of them holding up signs that read “no hate in our state” to shout out against the new law which may sanction discrimination against homosexuals.
The supporters on this law argues that the claims of the discrimination is exaggerated and are adamant keeping the government from compelling individuals to provide services which they believe to be offensive on religious grounds.
Republican Gov Mike Pence has signed bill into a law on Thursday which made businesses and organizations around the country criticize the state of Indiana widely. The uproar on social media has also been high with people using the hashtag (#)boycottindiana. Local officials and businesses are also trying to stem this fallout via customer review service Angie’s List. They are suspending the plan of expansion in the state due to this new law.
The crowd on Saturday, went on till south steps and lawn of the Statehouse with people chanting “Pence must go” along with signs reading “I’m pretty sure God doesn’t hate anyone” and “No hate in our state.”
A Democrat on Indianapolis’ City-County Council, Zach Adamson states that this law doesn’t have anything to do with religious freedom but everything to do with discrimination.
“This isn’t 1950 Alabama, it is 2015 Indiana,” he told the audience, adding that the law has brought embarrassment on the state.
Adamson, along with others in the council urged people to register to vote and stated electing new members of the Indiana General Assembly is the only way to bring a stop to laws as such.
Mayor Greg Ballard, a Republic who is against this law said he will be discussing with businesses to counter the chaos the law has caused.
“I’m more concerned about making sure that everyone knows they can come in here and feel welcome,” Ballard said.
Angie’s List had requisited an $18.5 million incentive package from Indianapolis’ City-County Council to slot in 1,000 jobs over 5 years. Due to this situation, founder and CEO Bill Oseterle said in a statement Saturday that the expansion is currently paused “until we fully understand the implications of the freedom restoration act on our employees.”
