We've all heard about the awful 'right to discriminate' bill in Indiana that was signed into law by Governor Mike Pence on Thursday. Businesses like
Salesforce are rethinking bringing new business to the state and are pulling out current business. Conventions like
Gen Con are going to choose new locations in areas other than Indiana in the future. And even the
NCAA has expressed concern over the new law. People are so concerned about the discriminatory nature of this law that the hashtag #BoycottIndiana has cropped up.
George Takei, LGBT activist extraordinaire, has gotten into the action, asking people to boycott the state.
I grew up in Michigan not far from the Indiana state line. I worked in Indiana more often than I worked in Michigan. I have friends and family in the area still, and while I agree in principle that a boycott is needed, I also know that not everyone in Indiana agreed with this law. In fact, many people spoke out against this law, but were not heard by the Republican legislature that controls all of Indiana state politics.
I know a sweeping boycott such as this will hurt businesses who don't agree with this law as well as those who do. Many wonderful people live in Indiana and would never discriminate while running their business.
So, what do we do? I propose that when you find yourself in Indiana, and must make a purchase, that you look for the a sticker placed on the window or door of a business that reads:
This Business Serves Everyone
Or:
Open For Service, Service For Everyone
This simple sticker lets you know that this business does not discriminate and welcomes everyone to their establishment.
Josh Driver came up with the idea, and created the
Open For Service organization, which offers the stickers for $10. I know when I'm in Indiana, I'll be looking for these stickers before I open my wallet, and I hope you'll do the same.