March 26, 2015
Groups Eye Indiana Pullout Over Religious Objections Bill
Jason St. Amand READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Organizers of a major gamers' convention and a large church gathering say they're considering moving events from Indianapolis over a bill that critics say could legalize discrimination against gays.
Leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) wrote Wednesday to Gov. Mike Pence urging him to veto the proposal prohibiting laws that "substantially burden" the ability of people to follow their religious beliefs.
Church leaders say they are reconsidering plans to hold their 6,000-person General Assembly in Indianapolis in 2017 because of concerns that some members might face legally sanctioned bias. The Gen Con gamers convention's CEO said similar concerns could affect decisions whether to continue holding its annual 50,000-person event in Indianapolis.
The governor's office says Pence has been clear he intends to sign the bill into law.