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Last updated on Thursday, March 26, 2015
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The religious freedom bill that has drawn protests on both sides will be signed into law in a matter of hours.
Gov. Mike Pence will sign the highly controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law Thursday morning, sources confirmed Wednesday afternoon. Although a specific time hasn't been determined, the bill is expected to be signed during a private ceremony.
The move comes despite growing backlash from opponents who believe it will open the door to discrimination. Supporters say the proposed law is necessary to protect businesses from being forced to provide services they find objectionable -- based on their religious beliefs. It will prevent the government from compelling people to provide services for activities such as same-sex weddings that they consider objectionable. People have voiced their opposition both on social media and through rallies and protests.
Leah Jackman-Wheitner is part of a movement on social media called "Where am I allowed to eat?" Her 18-year-old daughter is gay and she organized a rally outside of the courthouse in Columbus earlier Wednesday.
She is concerned that restaurants could start refusing to serve food to families like hers.
"That's where the movement came from, is saying well, let's just boil it down -- where am I allowed to eat? I don't want to offend a small business owner who doesn't want to serve my family. So, I'd like to know where am I going to be allowed to bring my daughter to eat dinner," Jackman-Wheitner said.
One anonymous group plans to blacklist any businesses that refuse service to the LGBT population. On Tuesday, organizers of Gen Con threatened to pull their event from Indianapolis based on the soon-to-be law. Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) made a similar threat Wednesday.
Visit Indy works to drive tourism and attract conventions to the city -- an $800 million business each year. Chris Gahl, the vice president of marketing and communications, said he has fielded phone calls and questions about Senate Bill 101 from organizers of a third convention. It was enough to prompt the 100-year-old organization to make a rare move -- to get involved. "This could have a negative impact because it could create a misperception. It doesn't necessarily align with the brand position that is Hoosier hospitality," Gahl explained.
Visit Indy isn't the only organization that has voiced opposition. Several other businesses have sent letters to the governor, urging him to reconsider signing the bill. Officials with the NCAA have also commented on the issue: "We are examining the details of this bill, however, the NCAA national office is committed to an inclusive environment where all individuals enjoy equal access to events."
The CEO of Salesforce also tweeted Wednesday night that the company will be forced to rethink their investment in Indianapolis if the bill is made a law.
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