In a statement issued Tuesday, NASCAR became the latest critic to slam the recently passed "religious freedom" law in Indiana.
"NASCAR is disappointed by the recent legislation passed in Indiana. We will not embrace nor participate in exclusion or intolerance," the association's senior vice president and chief communications officer, Brett Jewkes, said in a statement posted to NASCAR.com.
Home to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the state has come under fire for the legislation, signed last week by Gov. Mike Pence (R). NASCAR's statement follows those of the NBA, WNBA (and their respective franchises in the state) as well as the NCAA and all four schools that will be heading to Indianapolis for the NCAA Tournament's Final Four games.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which takes effect July 1, allows for individuals or corporations to cite religious beliefs when being sued by a private party. Critics say, however, that this could in turn enable discrimination, particularly toward the LGBT community.
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Read Jewkes' full statement:
NASCAR is disappointed by the recent legislation passed in Indiana. We will not embrace nor participate in exclusion or intolerance. We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our sport and therefore will continue to welcome all competitors and fans at our events in the state of Indiana and anywhere else we race.