My advice for the fans going to Indianapolis for the NCAA Final 4 tournament and LGBT supporters

[LynneSin]

I suspect that Indiana governor Mike Pence and his narrow-minded idiots of the GOP made sure they waited until the NCAA tournament was in full swing until they signed into that law that Jim Crow style law that says businesses are allowed to discriminate. Pence knew there could be backlash but if by any rare chance the NCAA got involved he knew that it would be almost impossible for them to pull out once the tournament was in full swing. The closer to the end the bigger of a logistic nightmare it is to move something as huge as the Men's NCAA Final 4.

Of course I have no clue what the NCAA would have done 2 months ago but I would like to think they would have put pressure on Pence to veto the bill by threatening to pull the tournament - who knows.

Now many of the people traveling to the games are the fans of the teams in the tournament so there are many last minute flights and hotels sold. But there are still plenty of folks who just love the games and go every year.

I'd like to suggest for anyone going to the tournaments this year if you are a fan of the game and supporter of LGBT rights to do this. Show your support for equality everywhere especially when you go dining out in restaurants and shopping in local stores. Make sure the local businesses know that you support LGBT rights - wear a shirt or a pin that shows your pride & support! If someone even asks 'Are you gay?' you know that person is probably wondering if you are a patron they want to serve or not. Obviously supporters of equality wouldn't care - they would just say things like 'Welcome' and 'How many I help you'. If you find yourself in a Jim Crow business then leave and find a place where everyone is welcomed. I can't believe all business owners in Indiana are so hateful!

Hopefully if Jim Crow businesses make less money than others during the tournament then they can see just how stupid this law is and why it needs to go away. People are people - why wouldn't you just want everyone as your customer? LGBT pay with the same cash as everyone else!

[PoliticAverse]

1. Businesses could just post signs that they don't discriminate and people could patronize those. n/t

[LynneSin]

2. I hope they do. I know I would

Maybe I'd post a sign that says 'narrow-minded bigoted fundie xtians not welcomed'

[still_one]

3. they could, but it doesn't provide any punishment for the unconstitutional legislation brought about

by their elected officials

[RKP5637]

4. I think we also need an app for a "Bigotry Hall of Fame" so businesses where

bigotry was encountered could be placed immediately on that list for easy retrieval. Maybe there already is one, probably someone is already working on one. I would see this as a nationwide database so online businesses are also avoided.

[Dale Neiburg]

6. Non-discriminatory businesses

Stickers are available (and I understand popular) for businesses to make it clear that they don't discriminate. See http://www.openforservice.org/#about for info -- or to buy stickers.

[Fred Sanders]

5. How about cancel your reservation, tithe 10% of the trip refund to your local Democratic Party?

If you trip costs are not refunded in full just claim it is YOUR firmly held religious belief that Jesus is not a bigot that hates any of His children and demand your religious rights under the same Indiana 'law'.

[salin]

7. there are a number of businesses in Indianapolis who have put up a decal per non-descrimination

which I think is great. But - I like your idea - because there is no way to tell (without the decal) if a business is going to feel empowered to act discriminatory.

Your idea would give indication of businesses that start being less welcoming (or hostile.) I would to your suggestion that folks give a quick tweet when they find a non-welcoming establishment. Something like BuzzesBirdyBarnStore doesn't want business from all customers #RFRA Indiana Bigots.

Start a twitter storm informing others what businesses to avoid patronizing.

Link to story and image of the decal: http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/local-businesses-protest-religious-freedom-act-with-sticker-celeb-takes-to-social-media/32010526

[Buns_of_Fire]

8. A sign I'd like to see:

In accordance with Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act,
We DO NOT SERVE
* Members of the Indiana State Legislature
* Governor Mike Pence
(It's against our religion.)

EVERYONE ELSE IS WELCOME

[Ms. Toad]

9. Download and use this app, as well.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hrc-foundation-buying-for/id345618414?mt=8

Or the online version: http://www.hrc.org/apps/buyersguide/#.VRcJyvnF-So