National Football League

Colts owner addresses Indiana religious freedom bill

Published Mar. 30, 2015 5:59 p.m. ET

foxsports

By Vincent Frank

The Indianapolis Colts and owner Jim Irsay have finally spoken up about a recent bill signed into law by Indiana Governor Mike Pence that supposedly supports “religious freedom” in the state.

The Colts have always embraced inclusiveness, tolerance, and a diverse fan base," Irsay tweeted on Monday. “We welcome ALL fans to Colts Nation. ONE FAMILY.”

the Indiana Religious Freedom and Restoration Act’s intent is to prevent the government from imposing its power over an individual’s religious freedom. Critics have attacked the bill as representing an archaic ideology that takes basic freedom away from the LGBT community.

The law, which could be seen as taking rights away from citizens based on sexual orientation, drew ire from the NCAA in advance of college basketball’s Final Four next week. Depending on who you ask, the law could potentially enable a business to refuse service to specific citizens based on sexual orientation.

The NFL’s stance has been to support inclusion, but it’s definitely in a position to make some noise here. The league’s scouting combine takes place in Indiana every February, and one of the most successful organizations in the league takes up residence in the state.

That said, the league hasn’t exactly thrown much weight behind those criticizing the law.

Our policies emphasize tolerance and inclusiveness, and prohibit discrimination based on age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other improper standard,” the NFL said in a statement, via Pro Football Talk. “We are continuing to analyze the implications of the law.”

This situation promises to get more convoluted as more entities around the professional sports weigh in.

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