Indiana businesses speak out online and in store against religious freedom bill

[DonViejo]

By Naomi Pescovitz, WTHR Weekend Sunrise anchor

INDIANAPOLIS -
Businesses across the state are echoing Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard's sentiment against the so-called religious freedom bill.

Dozens of local companies now say they must make it clear that they are open to business to everyone. The movement is growing quickly, especially on Massachusetts Avenue.

At Silver in the City on Mass Ave, everyone and nearly everything is welcome.

"My dog comes to work with me every day. She's always here. We allow dogs. If you wanted to bring your cat in, we allow cats strollers. We just don't discriminate. There's no reason to," said SarahKate Chamness, promotions manager at Silver in the City.

It wasn't until this month, however, that management felt they needed a little blue sticker to prove that message.

Hoosier Josh Driver started the "Open for Service" sticker campaign along with a website, Twitter and Facebook account. There are now stickers up in businesses in 23 states and Australia.

-snip-

http://www.wthr.com/story/28615301/local-businesses-speak-out-online-and-in-store-against-religious-freedom-bill

Businesses along Mass. Ave. are using these stickers to make a stand.

[libdem4life]

1. Really sucks that innocent people will have to suffer his insufferable idiocy.

And yes, I know, a lot didn't vote and those who did chose an Idiot. Waking up is a hard task, once asleep, politically speaking.

[TreasonousBastard]

2. Good! Put this bullshit to rest at last.

[RKP5637]

3. It's an excellent idea posting signs like that, then all of the bigots will be easily recognized.

Who wants to do business with a bigot than other bigots, because bigotry spills over into other areas, one might easily be next on their list!

[Takket]

4. it is a disgrace we need a sign like this in America

I intend to write a letter to GenCon telling them I refuse to attend their event as long as it is held in Indiana. GenCon was threatening to leave if Indiana passed this bill, and I want to make sure they know they are going to lose business and moving is the right thing to do. I'd encourage my fellow DUers to do the same.

[madokie]

5. I'm tire of homophobic and racist mo'fos

and never let pass a chance in real life to let them know how I feel. You are my brother or my sister no matter your or my sexual orientation or color of skin. We are us, you and I together

One of the perks of getting old is I don't feel I need to mince my words anymore so I let 'm fly.

[NCjack]

6. Perhaps an asterisk stating that service will be refused to governor who signed and legislators

who voted for Religious Freedom Bill.

[calimary]

7. Welcome to DU, NCjack!

Glad you're here! I was just thinking that - "gee, maybe I'd want to write 'except for governor pence and all his prejudiced friends' at the bottom of that sign." But you beat me to it!

[angrychair]

8. Solution is Easy

Don't get me wrong, the fact that any state legislature and governor signed a shit bill like this is stunning.
That being said, in order to return a profit to its investors, a business must sell a product or service. The smaller the number of customers, the harder it is to return a profit. The harder it is to stay in business.
Only small businesses, with few customers, will do anything stupid like this. No business with a state-wide or national presence would do this dumb shit. They can't afford the negative press. Not to mention, what are people going to do, set up gaydar at the front door of their business? Just don't do business with someone that is bigoted or racist or a misogynist. They go out of business. End of story.
You may not have to do business with LGBT people but as a supporter of LGBT rights, I don't have to do business with you. Have fun in in Bankruptcy Court!

[raven mad]

11. XLNT!

And I'm stealing the bankruptcy court idea................... even my repub landlord agrees the folks of that state just cut their own throats.

[gratuitous]

9. The Richmond Church of the Brethren posted that on their Facebook page

Go there and "like" their post! Very proud of my Indiana sisters and brothers.

[raven mad]

12. Richmond Church of the Brethren

Done!

[raven mad]

10. The GOOD people of Indiana will withstand and overcome the stigma.

The others? Not so much - their kids will make sure they have to live with the guilt.

Kids are great at doing guilt.

Great news, at such sad news, is welcome.