Tony Cook

tony.cook@indystar.com

Gov. Mike Pence got a cold reception Thursday when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Indianapolis Indians' home opener.

A video posted on social media shows fans booing the governor when he is announced.

While cheers can be heard as well, the boos dominated, according to several people who were present at the game.

"A lot of people were booing him," said Lindsay Watson, the woman who shot the video. "There were a few people cheering but not many. More boos than cheers."

A spokesman for Pence's campaign declined to comment.

Pence's popularity in the state has slipped since a national firestorm last year over Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a religious objections law that critics feared would sanction discrimination against gays and lesbians. Pence garnered controversy again last month when he signed one of the most restrictive anti-abortion bills in the nation.

The Republican governor's hard-line stance on such hot-button issues has earned him praise from social conservatives, a key constituency in Indiana.

Call Star reporter Tony Cook at (317) 444-6081. Follow him on Twitter: @indystartony.

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