Some of you may know from past editor letters that I hail from Indiana. Yep, I’m a Hoosier. And anyone who has been keeping up with the news knows that the Hoosier state has been making headlines recently—and it’s not for the Final Four.
Last month, Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Those opposed to the law say it opens the door for widespread discrimination. The backlash in the events and hospitality industry was both swift and powerful. Visit Indy—Indianapolis’ Convention and Visitors Bureau—issued a statement condemning the law. The mayor of Seattle banned any city-sponsored travel to the state. San Francisco and Connecticut announced similar bans. Gen Con—a large gaming convention held in Indianapolis—is considering moving its convention elsewhere. The NCAA, which is based in Indianapolis, is considering the same for future events. (And that’s just a snapshot of what happened.)
The Convention Industry Council penned the following letter to Governor Pence:
Dear Governor Pence:
On behalf of the Convention Industry Council, I respectfully request that your office continue to work with the general assembly and the hospitality community in the state to adopt corrective language that clarifies that the law does not allow discrimination of any kind against any segment of the population. The Convention Industry Council represents 33 associations in the meetings, conventions, exhibitions and travel industry who collectively represent more than 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties involved in the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry.
An unintended consequence of this law has been the reaction of many businesses who are considering not holding future meetings and events in Indiana. Not only would this be harmful to economic well-being of the state, but it would injure the very people who are employed by the hospitality industry and who may be subject to discrimination due to this legislation.
Meeting destinations in Indiana have a reputation for delivering world-class hospitality and service to all visitors and meeting attendees. This legislation does much to harm the view of Indiana as an inclusive and welcoming community.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this important matter.
So my question to all of you is: Would you hold or attend an event in a state that had a similar law? Is a boycott unfair to the hotels, venues and businesses that are in those communities, or is it important to you to take a stand by refusing to travel or do business in a state that has a law like Indiana’s?
By the way, this is not the Indiana I know and love. In fact, on my Facebook page the most vocal outrage over RFRA is from my friends from both sides of the political aisle who live in Indiana, many of which traveled to downtown Indianapolis to protest. As of this writing state political leaders are vetting language to amend the law—language that would protect the rights of LGBT residents. It will be interesting to see how, and if, the damage to the reputation of “Hoosier Hospitality” can be repaired—particularly since Arkansas is poised to do the very same thing.
