Thousands March in Indiana to Protest New 'Anti-Gay' Law

By teleSUR

29 March 15

The new Religious Freedom law allows business owners to refuse service to the LGBT community because of their religious beliefs.

housands of people gathered in Indiana Saturday to protest the state's recent passing of the Religious Freedom law that many say allows people to discriminate against homosexuals on the basis of religious beliefs.

Protesters chanted, carried rainbow colored banners and signs that read “No Hate in Our State” through the state's capital of Indianapolis. State police officers said some 3,000 people showed up to protest, reported USA Today.

Thursday, Republican Governor Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law, after it was passed overwhelmingly by both chambers of the state legislature.

Pence was immediately met with a barrage of criticism from people who think the bill could lead to discrimination against the LGBT community. The bill allows business owners to legally refuse service to gay people or same sex couples on the grounds that it does not conform with their religion.

Supporters of the bill, including Governor Pence, say the bill is necessary to protect business owners from having to act against their religious beliefs.

However, businesses in Indiana have also protested the new bill and launched a campaign called Open for Service. Through the campaign, businesses can purchase stickers and signs that read “This Business Serves Everyone” to put in their shop window in order to let customers know that all are welcome.

Others have started a campaign to boycott the state, with the hashtag #BoycottIndiana trending on twitter. However, some activists disagree that boycotts are the answer, saying it will only punish the community or individuals, not the state. Instead, more effort should be put into supporting LGBT businesses in Indiana.