BOYSTOWN — Following the passage of Indiana's controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act last week, everyone from Nick Offerman to the band Wilco is boycotting the Hoosier state.
Boystown, meanwhile, wants to show Indiana residents the love.
The Northalsted Business Alliance is offering an all-expenses-paid trip to the city for the Chicago Pride Fest, June 20 and 21, through a social media contest.
Indiana residents can share their proudest moments in LGBTQ history on the Northalsted Facebook page or using the hashtag #NorthalstedProud on Twitter.
One winner will be selected April 10. The winner and their guest will receive transportation, a two-night hotel stay, VIP festival access and a $500 Northalsted gift card.
Last week, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which goes into effect July 1. The law prevents the government from intruding on religious liberty without a compelling reason, the Indianapolis Star reported.
Since the law's passage, many have voiced concerns the it would allow businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ customers in the name of religion.
Congrats @GovPenceIN WE ARE CANCELING Indiana Summer of 69 tour 5/16. I WILL PLAY @IndianaUniv this Weds and donate my $ to HRC. #Usuck
— Nick Offerman (@Nick_Offerman) March 31, 2015We are canceling our May 7 show at the Murat in Indianapolis. The “Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act” feels like...
Posted by Wilco on Monday, March 30, 2015
Pence told the Indianapolis paper that discrimination isn't the goal, and he said Tuesday he plans to push the state legislature to update the law with a clarification.
"I've been taken aback by the mischaracterizations from outside the state of Indiana about what is in this bill," he told The Indianapolis Star.
Read the full text of the law here.
The Northalsted Business Alliance hosts the pride fest each year and represents more than 80 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
