On Tuesday, NASCAR became the latest sports organization to speak out against Indiana’s recently-signed Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The act, which could allow private businesses to deny services to LGBT people if it “substantially burdens” the business’s religous expression, has already caused the NBA, NFL and NCAA to release statements reiterating their desire for inclusion within their leagues, regardless of Indiana’s new law.
NASCAR’s senior vice president and chief communications officer Brett Jewkes released this statement on Indiana’s new law:
“NASCAR is disappointed by the recent legislation passed in Indiana. We will not embrace nor participate in exclusion or intolerance. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our sport and therefore will continue to welcome all competitors and fans at our events in the state of Indiana and anywhere else we race.”
Interestingly enough, the act is scheduled to go into effect on July 1st. NASCAR has its 2015 Crown Royal 400 scheduled at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 26th.
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