Gen Con threatens to pull popular convention from Indiana over religious freedom bill

INDIANAPOLIS, March 25 (UPI) -- Gen Con, considered the largest gaming convention in the nation, is threatening to move the event out of Indiana, if the governor signs a controversial "religious freedom" bill that would allow businesses to deny services to same-sex couples.

In a letter to Indiana's Gov. Mike Pence, Gen Con CEO Adrian Swartout said the key to the event growth has been the "wide-ranging diversity of our attendees."

"Legislation that could allow for refusal of service or discrimination against our attendees will have a direct negative impact on the state's economy, and will factor into our decision-making on hosting the convention in the state of Indiana in future years," Swartout said.

Monday, Indiana's State House passed the bill that protects business owners who want to decline to provide services to same-sex couples. Pence, a Republican, said he plans to sign the legislation when it hits his desk.

Supporters say the measure supports freedom of religion, while opponents consider it discrimination against LGBT people. In September, a federal court struck down bans on same-sex marriages in Indiana and other states.

Gen Con spokeswoman Stacia Kirby said the adoption of the measure will factor into future planning for the conference. Gen Con attracts some 60,000 people and has an economic impact of about $50 million.