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The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), a denomination with its headquarters in Indianapolis, has joined the chorus of voices urging Gov. Mike Pence not to sign Senate Bill 101, the so-called "Religious Freedom Restoration Act," which passed the legislature earlier this week.
Denomination leaders said they would consider moving its 2017 conference from Indianapolis if the bill becomes law.
In a letter dated Wednesday, denomination leaders urged the governor to veto the bill, saying "we find RFRA contrary to the values of our faith -- as well as to our national and Hoosier values. Our nation and state are strong when we welcome people of many backgrounds and points of view. The free and robust exchange of ideas is part of what makes our democracy great."
The organizers of Indianapolis' largest convention also say they'll move the event elsewhere if Gov. Mike Pence signs a religious freedom bill that could legalize discrimination against gays.
Adrian Swartout, owner and CEO of Gen Con LLC, sent a letter to the governor Tuesday, saying the legislation threatens the gaming convention's future in Indiana. She told Pence the bill could allow for refusal of service or discrimination against Gen Con's diverse attendee base and will negatively impact the state's economy.
Swartout says the convention attracted 56,000 people last year and has an annual economic impact of more than $50 million.
Spokeswoman Stacia Kirby said that Gen Con doesn't plan to break a contract requiring the conference to be held in the city through 2020.
Pence has said he plans to sign the bill.
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