This blog has long argued that state sponsored homophobia and bans on gay equality are bad for business. And, as more states allow gay marriage, those that do not will find themselves in an increasingly uncompetitive position when it comes to recruiting new businesses and attracting entrepreneurs and the so-called "creative class." Homophobia likewise makes regions of states less competitive than more gay friendly cities and counties - e.g., backward and homophobic Martinsville, Virginia, has once again been awarded the distinction of having the highest level of unemployment in Virginia. Apparently, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerces recognizes this reality and has come out against a move by Christofascists and Republicans to enact a constitutional amendment to Indiana's constitution to ban same sex marriage. Think Progress reports the chamber's action. Here are excerpts:
The Indy Chamber, Indianapolis’ business coalition, has come out in opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Indiana. According to John Thompson, chairman of the Chamber’s board, the amendment would deter talent from moving to the state:THOMPSON: The Indy Chamber is in the business of strengthening our economy and attracting top talent to our region. The proposed marriage amendment does nothing to help show the nation that Indiana is a place that welcomes all, not just some, and we must be mindful of how actions such as this will impact our competitiveness on a national and global level.In its press release, the Indy Chamber also noted that the amendment would be redundant because Indiana already bans same-sex marriage through state laws:Indy Chamber leadership recognizes that the amendment would duplicate existing Indiana law, which already defines marriage between one man and one woman. The amendment is a distraction from building momentum in the state legislature to address economic and workforce development challenges in the Indianapolis region and across the state.Read the full statement of opposition (via Chris Geidner at BuzzFeed).Indiana’s legislature already voted once to approve the anti-gay amendment back in 2011. A second vote is required during the 2013–2014 legislative session before it can advance to a referendum, and the Republicans decided to delay that consideration until 2014. Gov. Mike Pence (R) also supports the amendment, and was even caught censoring pro-gay comments from his Facebook page back in June.
As seems to be the norm, religious extremism and hatred of others are the main hallmarks of today's Republican Party.
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