Mon 30 Mar 2015 In: International News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The US state of Indiana is being widely criticised for introducing a bill allowing people to use religion to discriminate against lgbt people, and other minorities. Human Rights Campaign says the Indiana General Assembly and Governor have sent a dangerous and discriminatory message. “They’ve basically said, as long as your religion tells you to, it’s ok to discriminate against people despite what the law says,” says the group’s Legal Director Sarah Warbelow. “This new law hurts the reputation of Indiana and will have unacceptable implications for lgbt people and other minorities throughout the state. Astoundingly, Indiana representatives ignored the warnings of businesses and fair-minded Hoosiers, and now businesses owners and corporations are forced to consider other options when looking at states to invest in.” Human Rights Campaign says the CEO of one major local employer, Salesforce, has already noted they are now forced to dramatically reduce investment in the state because of outrage from employees and customers over the new law. Another company, consumer review company Angie's List, was planning to expand significantly in the region and add jobs - however it now says that is on hold. NBA legend Charles Barkley has also spoken out, saying the upcoming final of the national college basketball championship should not be held in Indiana. “Discrimination in any form is unacceptable to me,” he says in a 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.” Indiana Governor Mike Pence claims discrimination claims are overblown, saying it will only keep the government from compelling people to provide services they find objectionable on religious grounds. Arkanas is expected to pass a similar law.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Monday, 30th March 2015 - 11:13am