Mellencamp: Indiana law a ‘stain’ on state

Singer-songwriter John Mellencamp on Thursday joined the chorus of critics of Indiana’s new “religious freedom” law, calling it a “stain” on his home state.

Mellencamp, a life-long Hoosier born in Bloomington, Ind., and raised in Seymour, said he had a “heavy heart” in a letter to The Indianapolis Star.

“I am not questioning the sincerity of those who believe they have acted in the interests of religious freedom,” Mellencamp wrote.

{mosads}“But I am resolutely stating my opposition to this misnamed and ill-conceived law,” he continued. “It is discriminatory, hurtful, and a stain on Indiana’s national reputation.”

Mellencamp added that he wrestled with the ethics of performing in Indiana while the law stands. He has since decided the show must go on, despite his concerns.

“Our evenings together will be about music, and hopefully this situation will be made right by the time I see you in May,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer added.

The Indiana law has sparked a national firestorm.

Supporters argue it protects businesses from government meddling in their faith-based decisions. But critics claim it would protect discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals under the shield of religion.

Gov. Mike Pence (R), a potential 2016 contender, signed the law on March 26 but was soon playing defense amid criticism from top corporations and angry celebrities like Mellencamp.

He called on legislators to revise the law’s language, and on Thursday, Indiana lawmakers altered the law, which now prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The law can also no longer be a legal defense for refusing service to protected groups.

Pop starlet Miley Cyrus has also bashed the law. On Thursday, she attacked Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) on Twitter for supporting it.

Mellencamp, whose album “American Fool” was an ’80s hit, has three gigs in the Hoosier State scheduled during his 2015 tour. They are May 27 in Evansville, June 6 in Fort Wayne and the tour’s finale in Indianapolis on Aug. 4.