Wayne Applegate, co-owner of Sylvia’s Brick Oven and Columbia Ballroom, posted signs in the business’ windows Wednesday, “to let people know that we’ll serve anybody no matter what they believe. We’re proud to be able to do that. I want to support the gays and lesbians in Lafayette because this is not right.” (Photo: Taya Flores/Journal & Courier)
In response to the controversial "religious freedom" bill, local business owners are sticking signs in their windows in protest.
Gov. Mike Pence signed Senate Bill 101 into law Thursday morning. He denied that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act would allow for discrimination, according to the Indianapolis Star.
"I think there's a lot of misunderstanding," Pence said. "This has never undermined anti-discrimination laws."
That's what concerned Bistro 501 owner Gabrielle Meyer, who posted a sign protesting the act. Although the Lafayette businesswoman hasn't read the actual law, she said news articles and social media posts suggest it promotes discrimination.
"I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew we would never discriminate against anyone for any reason," she said. "There's an opening for discrimination when there should never be openings for discrimination in this day and age."
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