Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is in damage control mode ahead of the Final Four men's NCAA Basketball Championship, which kicks off in the city this weekend.
Since Gov. Mike Pence signed a bill that opponents say allows discrimination against gay people, the state has come under fire. The law has sparked the hashtag #boycottindiana ; companies such as Yelp, Angie's List and one large-scale gamer convention have rethought bringing their business to the state.
Some have called for the NCAA to move the tournament to a different city in light of the new legislation, including basketball star and sports commentator Charles Barkley.
But Mayor Ballard is asking basketball fans to support the city, despite the calls to boycott Indiana, and said the people and businesses of Indianapolis would welcome all who came to town for the Final Four.
"For those who plan to travel to our city for this weekend's upcoming final four, let me be clear: Indy welcomes all," said Ballard, speaking at a press briefing. "Residents, visitors and our workforce have always been and continue to be protected by our city's human rights ordinance."
Ballard also announced he has signed an executive order affirming that any city entity that receives public funds must agree to abide by the terms of the city's human rights ordinance.
Interestingly, the order also requests that the Indiana General Assembly and the governor add sexually orientation and gender identity as protected classes under state law. The governor has said this is not on his agenda.
Indy looks forward to welcoming teams, family members & fans this week, just as we have for the last 30+ yrs. #IndyWelcomesAll— Mayor Greg Ballard (@MayorBallard) March 30, 2015
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The Final Four is big business; Indianapolis has hosted the tournament 22 times. The NCAA also puts on the March Madness Music Festival and a weekend full of events that bring visitors and their money into the city from Friday to Monday.
Rev. Jesse Jackson has joined the ranks of luminaries calling for the NCAA March Madness Final Four to be moved out of the city. Basketball star Charles Barkley also weighed in.
The anti-gay law in Indiana is offensive human rights.The @NCAA #finalfour tournament should be moved to another location.I will not attend.— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) March 30, 2015
Thousands gathered in downtown Indianapolis on Saturday to protest against the passage of the law. Apple CEO Tim Cook has also condemned the law.
The measure, which takes effect in July, prohibits state laws that "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The definition of "person" includes religious institutions, businesses and associations.
Twitter has condemned the bill, calling it "unjust and bad for business" in a tweet sent from the company's policy account.
We’re disappointed to see state bills that enshrine discrimination. These bills are unjust and bad for business. We support #EqualityForAll.— Policy (@policy) March 30, 2015
In an interview over the weekend, Pence defended the law during an appearance on ABC's "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" said Sunday it wasn't a mistake to have enacted it. He did, however, say he has been in touch with legislative leaders and expects another bill will be introduced this coming week to "clarify the intent" of the law.
He repeatedly declined to provide details.
Additional information provided by The Associated Press.