The new bill, signed by Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, allows private businesses to refuse service to members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. The NCAA released a statement Thursday, followed by reaction from the Big Ten.
Indy officials are reportedly concerned the state may lose the opportunity to host future Big Ten sporting events.
Indiananapolis has hosted the Big Ten Conference Football Championship since the game began in 2011. The deal Indiana has with the conference makes Lucas Oil Stadium the host for the title game until 2021.
A petition started by Sean Burke of Wisconsin is heavily pushing for the Big Ten title game to be moved. Here’s an excerpt from his page on Change.org:
There’s been backing to get other sporting events moved out of Indiana as well. The list includes the 2016 NCAA Women’s Final Four and future basketball games, USA Gymnastics’ 2015 P&G Championships, the NFL’s annual scouting combine, and USA Diving’s 2016 Olympic trials.
