Chicago-based band Wilco canceled its upcoming concert in Indianapolis after Indiana enacted a controversial religious freedom law last week.
The rock band posted on its Facebook and Twitter pages Monday afternoon that the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act “feels like a thinly disguised legal discrimination” and that it would not appear at its scheduled May 7 show at the Murat Theatre in downtown Indianapolis.
Representatives of the venue did not respond to a request for comment.
The measure signed into effect by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence prohibits state laws that “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The law includes institutions, businesses and associations within its definition of “person.”
Many see the law as an example of intolerance, and opponents say it could allow businesses to discriminate against gay people.
Pence has so far defended the law, and Republican legislative leaders said they are working to adjust the law’s language to clarify that the measure does not allow discrimination against gays and lesbians. Democratic legislators called for a repeal.
Pence canceled scheduled public appearances Monday night and Tuesday, in part because of planned protests.
The backlash against the measure also has crossed state lines. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel sent letters to several Indiana businesses suggesting they could relocate to a “welcoming place to people of all races, faiths and countries of origin.” Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe wrote an open letter to Indiana’s corporations saying Virginia does “not discriminate against our friends and neighbors.”
Wilco said it would refund tickets purchased for its show.
“Hope to get back to the Hoosier State someday soon, when this odious measure is repealed,” the band posted.
The Associated Press contributed.
Twitter @paulina_milla
