The legislature in Arkansas on Tuesday passed what is being called a religious freedom act - similar to one passed last week in Indiana.
The act prohibits any law that "substantially burdens" someone's ability to follow their own religious beliefs. Critics say this opens the door for discrimination against gays, and there have been plenty of critics.
The band Wilco canceled their May 7 show in Indianapolis.
We're canceling our 5/7 show in Indianapolis. “Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act” feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination.
We're canceling our 5/7 show in Indianapolis. “Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act” feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination.
— WILCO (@Wilco) March 30, 2015
USC Athletic Director Pat Haden was expected at the College Football Playoff Meeting in the Hoosier state. He, too, took to Twitter to cancel that trip.
I am the proud father of a gay son. In his honor, I will not be attending the CFP committee meeting in Indy this week. #EmbraceDiversity
I am the proud father of a gay son. In his honor, I will not be attending the CFP committee meeting in Indy this week. #EmbraceDiversity
— Pat Haden (@ADHadenUSC) March 31, 2015
The issue has also been embraced by leaders in Silicon Valley. Companies like Apple,
and Yelp have all released comments on the religious freedom laws. Nick Wingfield from the New York Times has been writing about this, and he joins the discussion.