April 4, 2015 | Sex & Society

Bigotry rewarded in Indiana

What a strange turn of events. 

It all started when the government of Indiana decided to pass the "Religous Freedom Restoration Act," largely seen as giving permission to wedding-related businesses in the state to refuse service to gay couples if the owners don't believe in same-sex marriage.

Governor Mike Pence had to defend the law and claimed their was no intent to use it to discriminate against gay people. Under intense pressure from businesses and rights organizations the law was passed but with an amendment specifically stating that service could not be refused to someone because of their sexual orientation. 

One business, Memories Pizza, went on record as saying it would not cater a gay wedding because its owners say homosexuality is against their religion. The pizza joint was flooded with complaints and negative reviews on social media. The right wing media picked up the story of the establishement's "victimization" and started a Go Fund Me campaign to "relief the financial loss endured by the proprietor's stand for faith."   Donations flooded in, with over $750,000 donated in the first day. 

So bigotry does get rewarded. Just goes to show, the Internet can be used for great good and for great ill.