INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The organizers of Indianapolis' largest convention say they'll move the event elsewhere if Gov. Mike Pence signs a religious freedom bill that could legalize discrimination against gays.
Adrian Swartout, owner and CEO of Gen Con LLC, sent a letter to the governor Tuesday, saying the legislation threatens the gaming convention's future in Indiana. She told Pence the bill could allow for refusal of service or discrimination against Gen Con's diverse attendee base and will negatively impact the state's economy.
Swartout says the convention attracted 56,000 people last year and has an annual economic impact of more than $50 million.
Spokeswoman Stacia Kirby tells The Indianapolis Star (http://indy.st/1BpAun2 ) that Gen Con doesn't plan to break a contract requiring the conference to be held in the city through 2020.
Pence has said he plans to sign the bill.