Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act, into last month, sparking vocal opposition from Indiana-based corporations, universities -- and even Apple CEO Tim Cook.
Opponents mounted protests across the state, including Evansville. The Governor responded by adding an protecting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Queer community from discrimination nearly a week later.
Much of the hype and tension has died down since the bill passed, but the shockwaves are still shaking up local business and politics. On The Trend, we'll take a look at the bill in its present form to understand what it means, who supports it, and exactly how it is affecting local politics and commerce.
We’ll hear from political analysts, journalists, local businesses and the Evansville Convention and Visitors Bureau to gauge whether the law reflects the local community.
We'll also hear from Dr. Amie McKibban, psychology professor at the University of Southern Indiana, who is mapping out the LGBTQ-friendly businesses in Evansville.
Additional content:
Host Cass Herrington caught up with Evansville resident Alex Jarvis, who appeared on The Trend last year after he and his husband Robert Owen married in Iowa. Same-sex marriage was illegal in Indiana at the time.
Jarvis says he recently called the vendors who provided for his wedding reception in Evansville to hear if they were still willing to serve gay customers under the new legislation.
