LGBT rights activists protest downtown amid Final Four events

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — With the national spotlight on Lucas Oil Stadium, LGBT rights activists marched by the arena protesting Indiana’s discrimination laws.

Members of the group said they’re fighting for a statewide law protecting LBGT citizens from discrimination.

Some of them said the RFRA clarification bill was a step in the right direction, but not a fix.

The rally started downtown in the circle before protesters marched by the stadium and the statehouse. The group chanted “Hoosiers don’t discriminate, no more band-aides masking hate,” and “No hate in our state.”

“We need full civil rights protections for LGBT citizens in the state civil rights code. That’s what we need,” protester Alice Jones said.

Some Indiana cities have laws protecting LGBT citizens from discrimination, including Indianapolis. Governor Pence has said he will not fight for a statewide protection law.

“I’ve never supported that and I want to be clear, it’s not on my agenda,” Pence told 24 Hour News 8’s Jim Shella on Tuesday.

During the rally, another event was going on at White River State Park: “Hug a Hoosier Day.” The event’s organizer says she wants to draw attention to Hoosier Hospitality. She invited participants to leave protest signs and RFRA complaints at home. However, she says people should push for discrimination protection for LGBT citizens.

Some musicians also joined the conversation. Saturday, Jack Antonoff of Bleachers wore a shirt onstage reading “Protect LGBTQ Hoosiers.”