Cities outside of Indy see potential impact of RFRA
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Some cities outside of Indianapolis say they are starting to see the potential economic impact of the existing Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The University of Buffalo announced it’s cancelling upcoming tennis and softball games at Ball State University in Muncie. The Assistant Athletic Director says he’s hoping to find a neutral ground to play.
A spokesperson for Ball State University tells 24-Hour News 8 that she was not aware of any cancellations on campus because of the Religious Freedom controversy.
Not only is the University of Buffalo making a statement, but the Mid-American Conference and the National Forensic Association have also reconsidered future games and tournaments in Muncie.
Lawmakers spent most of the day at the state house trying to come up with a proposed fix to RFRA while city leaders in Whiting say they’re worried about losing out on a popular summer festival.
The festival attracts around 350,000 people every year and brings in millions of dollars.
“We’re very concern of course about Pierogi Fest. When you have a large festival you draw from so many different parts of the country. We’re afraid that people will assume that because it’s in Indiana that there’s some negative connection to the religious freedom bill,” said Tom Dabertin, Whiting-Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce.
But the feeling is different more than a hundred miles away in West Lafayette. County and city leaders say they haven’t really seen much of a setback when it comes to economic development.
“I don’t know if there will be a domino effect or not,” said Commissioner Dave Byers, City of West Lafayette. “I know we’re a very vibrant and open community and I have not heard from any local company or any far companies.”
“I imagine we’ll get questions eventually and the answer will be exactly what it is, everyone is welcome,” said director Chandler Poole, West Lafayette Redevelopment.
Another convention has backed out in Indianapolis because of the RFRA controversy. The Disciples of Christ say they will look for a new venue for their 2017 General Assembly.
It’s the second convention Indianapolis has lost out on. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees cancelled a women’s convention set for October.