First of all, the state should cancel Joseph because his rainbow coat will impede the citizens' ability to, I don't know, only make straight wedding cakes? It all comes down to cakes now, right?
I can't imagine how modifying the law will make any difference. The most benign version of the law, already adopted in several other states, implicitly allows anti-gay discrimination in the name of religion. After all, that is the only purpose of the law, so a modification making it better is very unlikely.
Anyone see the Indy Star headline, white print on black: "Fix. This. Now." Full page editorial, decrying the decision, demanding action, by the government and businesses. Unprecedented. If they don't fix this now, they will become a geographic pariah. In our culture, everything is about trending, and it is already very, very hip to dump on this state. The vibe has appropriately gone viral, national, global. And if they dig their heels in, it will only exacerbate the debacle.
"I'm a comedian, but in my spare time, things bother me." Garry Shandling
"What makes you think it will be modified quickly? The governor certainly isn't backing down."
Because of the outroar of just about every core constituency group and the tremendous national media attention showered on the state this week.
People need to do what they need to do, but Indianapolis is not Indiana, and I hope the hard-earned equity and inclusion progress in our city doesn't get overlooked in the well-justified criticism of the Republicans in our state legislature and Governor Pence.
This is a classic case of rural vs. urban politics. Our Republication mayor for God's sake made sure the city council this week affirmed Indy's non-discrimination human rights ordinance, and he has been very vocal publicly against RFRA.
The law is being reexamined and "a fix" is due to the Governor by week's end.
The # of entertainers cancelling is closer to "a few" rather than "a lot" unless you have more current info than I do (and you may very well). Wilco and a Nick Offerman and Megan Mullaley event both have canceled as have several conventions.
And in other news, Arkansas just passed a law hewing very close to Indiana's.
It's interesting that the petition started by AEA members doesn't mention a boycott of theatre companies in Indiana. If part of their reasoning is the fear of being rejected or discriminated at local businesses while working in the state, wouldn't pulling out of a non-profit like Indiana Repertory Theatre also be necessary in order to protect their members?
Indiana is joining the race to the 12th century. A woman was sentenced to 20 years for illegal abortion (on herself) and child endangerment. She said the child was born dead and she threw the body away. The state couldn't prove the baby was ever alive. That didn't stop anyone from convicting her of a crime that doesn't apply if there never was a "child."
What's next for Indiana? Revoking the right to vote for all women and all black people?
Audrey, the Phantom Phanatic, who nonetheless would rather be Jean Valjean, who knew how to make lemonade out of lemons.
“NASCAR Becomes Latest To Denounce Indiana Anti-Gay ‘Religious Freedom’ Law”
LGBT...Boycott Indiana & Arkansas! Hope these states collapse from the backlash of companies and cancelled events!
Scary...who are these people in these States?
Indiana Gov. Pence has always been a homophobe and a sexist - i.e. a bigot.
From Pence's Campaign website: * Congress should oppose any effort to recognize homosexual's as a 'discreet and insular minority' entitled to the protection of anti-discrimination laws similar to those extended to women and ethnic minorities. * bringing an end to the "don't ask/don't tell" policy of permitting homosexuals to serve in the armed forces. Homosexuality is incompatible with military service because the presence of homosexuals in the ranks weakens unit cohesion. * Congress should oppose any effort to put gay and lesbian relationships on an equal legal status with heterosexual marriage. * Congress should support the reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act only after completion of an audit to ensure that federal dollars were no longer being given to organizations that celebrate and encourage the types of behaviors that facilitate the spreading of the HIV virus. Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior. * bringing an end to gender mixed basic training and gender mixed housing on military bases. * bringing an end to assigning women to combat support units, combatant ships and pilot billets that ultimately result in women becoming involved in combat. While women have always made an important contribution to national security, we must resist liberal impulse to use the military to advance the interest of women in civilian culture at the expense of military readiness and effectiveness. America must not become the only nation in the world to use women in combat positions. * endorse legislation that makes clear that the 14th Amendment's protections apply to unborn children.
"Anything you do, let it it come from you--then it will be new."
Sunday in the Park with George
The Indiana Repertory Theatre published the following today:
"To the Editor: The Indiana Repertory Theatre is already witnessing the harmful effects of reactions to Indiana’s newlypassed RFRA legislation, as theatre practitioners cancel reservations to attend a national conference we are hosting in April, and fellow theatre producers and artists from around the country threaten to boycott our work. We fear this could be only the beginning. It saddens us that our welcoming and vibrant city is experiencing this negative national spotlight when so much in our business and cultural scene is thriving. Our business model, as many others, is dependent on gathering talent from across the country to make art that is then witnessed by thousands, many of them from outside the state: the economic impact of this equation is significant, as audience members enjoy the many amenities of our city. As Indiana’s RFRA currently is being characterized, fairly or unfairly, our ability to attract both top-flight artists and diverse audiences may be significantly diminished. Art making, by its very nature, promotes tolerance and understanding, and the current furor, featuring much heat and little light, does not. We at the IRT stand for community building that includes all voices and welcomes all. The leadership of the IRT encourages the General Assembly and Governor Pence to promptly make good on their commitment to amend or clarify the legislation so that we might begin the process of restoring our international reputation for Hoosier hospitality at the true crossroads of America, welcoming all."
I know some of the other professional theatres in the area are really committed to helping change the law, but only the IRT has put out a published statement.
The idiocy in Indiana has brought out the worst in people. The funny thing is that religion discrimination has been going on quietly for awhile and everyone has looked the other way. Now, because it's become the focus of a campaign to allow full-blown discrimination against LGBTs, it has upset the apple cart.
Discrimination has always gone on quietly but not against a whole group. For example, a Hasidic photographer probably refuses to do non-Orthodox weddings, let alone non-Jewish weddings. What is the difference between this and not serving gay people? I think that the answer is that individuals favor their own group, but don't denounce particular practices of another group unless they are discriminating.
Here's a real monkey wrench: The photographer says, "I won't do non Hasidic weddings because I don't know how to cover them -- I don't know the customs. Discrimination or not? This is very different from saying, "This wedding violates my religion because I can't work on Saturday. That is different from saying I won't work your wedding because of something you do.
Audrey
Audrey, the Phantom Phanatic, who nonetheless would rather be Jean Valjean, who knew how to make lemonade out of lemons.
Problem: if you interviewed a photigrapher that told you they only knew how to photograph Hasiic weddings, i doubt you would hire them. NOT the same at all.
Your last comparison DOES, however, make sense.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.