Wilco cancels Indy concert because of RFRA

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Chicago-based rock group Wilco announced Monday that it is canceling its May concert in Indianapolis in response to Indiana’s controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

The band announced the canceled concert on its Facebook and Twitter pages, writing: “The Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination to us. Hope to get back to the Hoosier state someday when this odious measure is repealed. Refunds available at point of purchase.”

The band was scheduled to play the Murat on May 7.

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act has drawn national ire and criticism since Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the bill last week. Supporters have argued the act protects individuals’ religious freedoms from being subjected to lawsuits and legal liabilities. Opponents argue the law would allow for people to openly and legally discriminated against.

Gov. Pence defended the law during a Sunday appearance on ABC News, but dodged direct questions about whether the law would allow for discrimination.

GOP state lawmakers announced Monday that they intended to file legislation that would clarify that the law could not be used to discriminate. Democrats in the Indiana General Assembly are calling for the law to be repealed entirely.

It became clearer Monday that lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle were scrambling to mend the public relations nightmare and damage the bill has done to Indiana’s reputation.