Sarah Karney April 3rd, 2015 - 5:08 PM
After Indiana lawmakers decided to amend the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which many viewed as discriminatory toward the LGBT community, Wilco decided to revisit their decision to cancel their show in the state. The band’s show on May 7th in Indianapolis is back on, after a prior decision to cancel the show to show their disapproval of the RFRA.
On March 30th, the band announced their decision to cancel the show on social media.
We’re canceling our 5/7 show in Indianapolis. “Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act” feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination.
— WILCO (@Wilco) March 30, 2015
Hope to get back to the Hoosier State someday soon, when this odious measure is repealed. Refunds available at point of purchase.
— WILCO (@Wilco) March 30, 2015
Wilco is not the only prominent name to protest the act. Apple CEO Tim Cook wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post, calling the Indiana law “dangerous” and touting similar laws in states like Arkansas and Texas.
A recent Rolling Stone article contains additional details on the law and the band’s decision. The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was supported by Indiana Governor Mike Pence and the Republican-majority state senate. After the law caused national backlash, lawmakers made an addition to the act late yesterday in hopes of protecting religious and LGBT freedoms equally. Though Wilco stated they would not return to the state until the law was repealed, the amendment and outcry from thousands of Indiana fans seemed to be enough to sway them for now.
Additionally, the band stated that some of the proceeds from the Indianapolis show will be donated to organizations “fighting to build on the progress we hope this change makes in Indiana and beyond.”
The band released their full statement on Facebook.
Wilco has a busy 2015 ahead of them. They play a number of festivals, including Pitchfork and Shaky Knees, not to mention their own Solid Sound Festival which they are headlining both nights. They also will play some one-off dates on their spring tour.
