International LGBT Group Picks Indy To Host World Conference

INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosier lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender groups are celebrating Monday as an international LGBT organization chose Indianapolis for its 2017 world conference.

Indy Pride President Chris Moreland says he’s spent four years investigating the possibility of Indianapolis hosting the InterPride World Conference.  Yet, he acknowledges that the attention Indiana attracted during the fight over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act helped shine a spotlight on the battle for LGBT rights in the Hoosier State.

“Though it has been tough, it has not been easy…it’s pulled a lot of people together and we’re going in the right direction and we’re doing the right things with it," Moreland said.  "We’re having the right conversations and I’m not sure that would have been possible before.”

Freedom Indiana campaign manager Chris Paulsen, whose organization led the fight against RFRA, says while the controversial measure was a negative for the state, its after-effects can be positive.

“RFRA brought to light that there is an issue; and now we have a chance to address that issue and really shine a bright light on Indiana and shows that it’s welcoming for all,” Paulsen said.

The General Assembly this coming session will debate the inclusion of LGBT civil rights protections in state law, a discussion Paulsen says would likely have been at least two or three years away if not for RFRA.