Internet Reacts to Indiana’s New ‘Religious Freedom’ Law
Published at(WASHINGTON) — Indiana’s new Religious Freedom Restoration Act has quickly ricocheted to the top of Internet chatter and is the focus of tweets and posts from a range of public figures.
Although potential Republican presidential candidates remained mum on social media, the law signed by Gov. Mike Pence last week drew early reaction from likely 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton:
Sad this new Indiana law can happen in America today. We shouldn’t discriminate against ppl bc of who they love #LGBT http://t.co/mDhpS18oEH
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 27, 2015
Celebrities were quick to express their outrage as well, adding star power to the hashtag #BoycottIndiana. Data shows that this hashtag has been tweeted over 55,000 times since the bill was signed into law.
Actor George Takei tweeted his request for people to boycott the state:
Join me to #BoycottIndiana . Show Gov. #Pence we won’t stand for bigotry in the name of religion.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) March 27, 2015
Sad this new Indiana law can happen in America today. We shouldn’t discriminate against ppl bc of who they love #LGBT http://t.co/mDhpS18oEH
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) March 27, 2015
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, made it clear his company would not allow discrimination to occur.
Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana’s new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015
Around the world, we strive to treat every customer the same — regardless of where they come from, how they worship or who they love.
— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015
Jeremy Stoppelman, the CEO of Yelp, hinted in an open letter that the law could impact business dealings in Indiana.
An Open Letter to States Considering Imposing Discrimination Laws http://t.co/2iNMMP0aIt
— Jeremy Stoppelman (@jeremys) March 27, 2015
Within Indiana, Indiana University, which is public and therefore funded by the state, tweeted its “concerns” about the law.
IU voices concerns over #Indiana‘s Religious Freedom Restoration Act and reaffirms our commitment to equality. http://t.co/qkgDpMbsFg #RFRA
— Indiana University (@IndianaUniv) March 29, 2015
Angie’s List, an Indianapolis-based company, announced it will withdraw its campus expansion proposal:
Angie’s List will withdraw campus expansion proposal due to passage of #RFRA http://t.co/N4s7mFhhl6
— Angie’s List (@AngiesList) March 28, 2015
Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy announced on Twitter that he would ban state-funded travel to Indiana, following the lead of Seattle Mayor Ed Murray.
Because of Indiana’s new law, later today I will sign an Executive Order regarding state-funded travel. -DM
— Governor Dan Malloy (@GovMalloyOffice) March 30, 2015
When new laws turn back the clock on progress, we can’t sit idly by. We are sending a message that discrimination won’t be tolerated. -DM
— Governor Dan Malloy (@GovMalloyOffice) March 30, 2015
But not all response to the law on social media has been negative. Just as opponents of the law have developed #BoycottIndiana, supporters are using #StandWithIndiana to show approval of the law and advocate for religious freedom.
THANK YOU, @GovPenceIN for supporting the freedom of all of us. We do not need any changes to it. #StandWithIndiana #RFRA #packoflies
— Martha Robinson (@LegitMartha) March 30, 2015
RFRA didn’t need clarification in 22 years & does not now either! #StandwithIndiana #RFRA #StandStrongPence #INGOP
— Deb Spencer (@capri93) March 30, 2015
And rather than discuss boycotts or the negative publicity the law has brought to the state, Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard tweeted that there was more to his city than this law.
Indianapolis will not be defined by this. #IndyWelcomesAll
— Mayor Greg Ballard (@MayorBallard) March 30, 2015
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