More to add to this post:
Gencon, a convention for gamers that reputedly brings in $50 million a year, is threatening to move to another state when its current contract runs out. (h/t Emily Summers Leabch)
In this IndyStar news article comes the report that the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) also notified Indiana that they may move its annual convention to another state:
“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.
(h/t )
The same article reports that Kiwanis International, celebrating its 100th anniversary at its convention this June, has expressed concerns:
“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.
Meanwhile, supporter of the measure Micah Clark, Executive Director of the American Family Association of Indiana, believes there will be little negative impact:
“I just don’t see how this prevents conventions from coming here,” Clark said. Popular convention cities such as Chicago, Orlando, Phoenix and New Orleans are located in states with similar (religious freedom) laws in effect, and there’s no outcry by convention organizers to pull out of those locations, he said.
The IndyStar is continues on to note the law is not like those in the other states in one key way:
Daniel O. Conkle, a law professor at Maurer School of Law at Indiana University [and professor of religious studies], said the law that has passed the Indiana legislature differs from similar laws in some other states by extending religious protections to businesses, not just individuals.
Not a frenzied rush for the exits, but at least a few are willing to look at the negative impacts and do something about it.
