Mayor Ballard: Religious Freedom bill sends ‘wrong signal’

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard took a stand against the bill now commonly known as the Religious Freedom bill.

Ballard said he hoped lawmakers in the Statehouse wouldn’t move the direction they did with the Religious Freedom bill. The bill is on its way to Gov. Mike Pence but has triggered some controversy. Longtime convention Gen Con has suggested it may consider other host cities for the convention if the governor signs the bill.

Here’s Ballard’s full statement, released Wednesday:

“I had hoped the Statehouse wouldn’t move in this direction on RFRA, but it seems as if the bill was a fait accompli from the beginning. I don’t believe this legislation truly represents our state or our capital city. Indianapolis strives to be a welcoming place that attracts businesses, conventions, visitors and residents. We are a diverse city, and I want everyone who visits and lives in Indy to feel comfortable here. RFRA sends the wrong signal.”