Indiana Law Does Not Reflect Spirit of Olympic Agenda 2020

(ATR)An Indiana law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which has drawn widespread scrutiny, is now catching the attention of local NGBs including USA Gymnastics and USA Track & Field.

"We view it as something that is certainly not in the spirit of Olympic Agenda 2020," Jill Geer, chief public affairs officer for USATF, tells Around the Rings.

The law, which began as Senate Bill 101, says the state cannot "substantially burden a person's exercise of religion" unless it is advancing a "compelling government interest" and acting in the least restrictive way possible.

Some see the law as giving businesses the right to discriminate against others on the basis of sexual orientation.

Over the past week, civil and gay rights groups have protested against the discriminatory nature of the legislation.

Geer directed ATR to a statement issued by USATF CEO Max Siegel on March 27, the day Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed Senate Bill 101 into law.

"USA Track and Field advocates for equal opportunity, access and treatment for all people and condemns discrimination of any kind,"Siegel said.

"We are deeply concerned by the legislation Governor Pence has signed into law and stand with the IOC, who in December pledged to strengthen the sixth fundamental principle of Olympism to include non-discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation."

On March 31, Governor Pence held a press conference in efforts to clarify the intent of the bill.

"I don't believe for a minute that it was the intention of the General Assembly to discriminate," Pence said.

"Ibelieve in my heart of hearts no one should be harassed or mistreated because of who they are, who they love and what they believe."

Pence has suggested the Republican-controlled General Assembly adopt new legislation by the end of this week that will clarify the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

He added that he feels the public reaction reflects the way in which the media mischaracterized the law.

"We've got a perception problem. This law has been smeared."

Setting aside intent, Geer tells ATRthat USATF is concerned about the principle that appears to be behind the bill.

She adds, "How the law is being perceived is counter to USA Track & Field's principles and the principles of most businesses in Indianapolis.

"It's really something that, as an NGB headquartered in Indianapolis, we felt really strongly about.

"We felt we had to make it clear that this is not something that represents us."

USA Gymnastics president Steve Penny echoes Geer's sentiments on the law.

"There's way too much at stake for the state of Indiana and the city of Indianapolis to be perceived as anything other than an inclusive destination," Penny tells ATR.

"Everyone here agrees that our goal is to make sure we reinforce that message."

Penny says Indianapolis has spent years fostering an "Olympic focus."The law, from Penny's perspective, contradicts the openness that has become a hallmark of the city.

"Everything that the city leaders have done to build a brand around sport for this community has been damaged."

The USA Gymnastics chief has lived in Indiana for 15 years and tells ATR that the outcry over the Religious Freedom Restoration Act is fundamentally a local issue, but deserves countrywide attention.

"My own opinion is that we shouldn’t need legislation like that to protect religious freedoms anymore.

Penny says Governor Pence may have underestimated the public's reaction to the law.

He adds, "The governor can defend the bill all he wants, but when you have this amount of outcry and this amount of discord, then something's not right.

"I think we're going to see some changes and modifications to this law over the next couple of days."

Geer also expects to see change in the legislation throughout the week.

"It will be very interesting to see how the issue develops, how the intent of the law is clarified, and how we move forward from here.

"It really galvanized a lot of organizations, sports and businesses--and that's a pretty powerful statement."

Written byNicole Bennett

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