Indiana Republicans send Amazon a loud message about bringing HQ2 to the state
By John Gallagher · Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Indiana Republicans are sending a clear message to Amazon as the company searches for a location for their new second headquarters complex. Indianapolis was named as one of the finalists for the new HQ2, but based on the GOPs actions, the digital giant might as well pick some other city.
After days of wrangling, the GOP decided to keep language in their party platform that excludes LGBT parents from the definition of family, and condemns same-sex marriage. The platform tells Amazon that if youre looking for an environment friendly to LGBTQ workers, Indiana isnt it.
Its not as if Amazon has hidden how important this requirement is. According to the Washington Post (a paper owned by Amazons owner Jeff Bezos), Amazon has quietly made rights for and acceptance of gay and transgender people part of its criteria in choosing a second headquarters.
Indiana Republicans have been down this road before, led by then-Gov. Mike Pence. Pences decision in 2015 to sign a religious liberty bill that essentially validated discrimination against LGBTQ citizens led to a firestorm of controversy. The law led to an intense backlash against the state led by major businesses, forcing Pence to back down.
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https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2018/06/indiana-republicans-send-amazon-loud-message-bringing-hq2-state/