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Indiana gay rights activists march on Final Four

by Mark Hensch - 04/04/15 6:11 PM ET

Hundreds of protesters Saturday descended on Indianapolis and rallied for greater protection for Indiana’s gay community during the NCAA college basketball tournament’s Final Four.

The Associated Press reported that demonstrators gathered at the city’s Monument Circle before advancing on Lucas Oil Stadium. The venue hosts two matches Saturday; the winners will compete in Monday’s national college basketball championship game.

“Hoosiers don’t discriminate,” AP reported marchers chanting.

{mosads}“No more Band-Aids masking hate,” they also yelled, referencing Thursday’s revisions to Indiana’s divisive religious freedom legislation.

Michigan State University plays Duke University in Saturday’s first contest. The University of Wisconsin then squares off with the University of Kentucky in the second semi-final.

At issue is the Hoosier State’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The law’s creation March 26 sparked national debate over whether it permits businesses to discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Gay-rights advocates marching to @LucasOilStadium protesting #Indiana‘s Religious Freedom law #RFRA #Indy #FinalFour pic.twitter.com/hCkjUGDBMh

— Heather Waliga (@WaligaABC11) April 4, 2015

Shirts available to media today at the Final Four #RFRA pic.twitter.com/WvD4Oy8ttV

— Dan Koob (@DanKoob) April 4, 2015

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) authorized changes Thursday meant to correct the law’s problems. His changes prohibit business discrimination based on sexual and gender identities. The law is also no longer a legal defense for business discrimination against protected groups.

NCAA President Mark Emmert on Thursday praised Pence’s alterations to the law. The organization had previously voiced concerns over the law’s implications.

“We are very pleased the Indiana legislature is taking action to amend Senate Bill 101, so that it is clear individuals cannot be discriminated against,” Emmert said.

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley also criticized the law’s original version on Thursday. The retired basketball player said public outcry over its details exposed U.S. tensions over the gay community.

“America’s always had a racial problem,” he told CNN’s Chris Cuomo late Thursday evening.

“Now we have a homophobic problem,” he continued. “Any form of discrimination, you have to check it.”

The law’s critics argued it would allow businesses to discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals on religious grounds.

Its supporters, meanwhile, claimed it would shield business owners from government meddling in their faith-based decisions.

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