NASCAR joined the controversy Monday over Indiana’s new religious freedom act. The act according to many will allow businesses to discriminate against LGBT customers due to their personal beliefs.
The law, which takes effect July 1, doesn’t specifically mention gays and lesbians. Opponents however say it is designed to protect businesses and individuals who do not want to serve gays and lesbians, such as florists or caterers who might be hired for a same-sex wedding. In a statement, NASCAR said it was “disappointed” by the law.
“We will not embrace nor participate in exclusion or intolerance,” NASCAR’s chief communications officer, Brett Jewkes, said in the emailed statement. “We are committed to diversity and inclusion within our sport and therefore will continue to welcome all competitors and fans at our events in the state of Indiana and anywhere else we race.” MORE>>>
Greg is the author of "The Nuts and Bolts of NASCAR: The Definitive Viewers' Guide to Big-Time Stock Car Auto Racing" and has been published in major publications across the country including the Los Angeles Times, the Cleveland Plain Dealer and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He was also a contributor to Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul, published in 2010, and the Christmas edition in 2016. He wrote as the NASCAR, Formula 1, Auto Reviews and National Veterans Affairs Examiner for Examiner.com and has appeared on Fox News. He holds a BS degree in communications, a Masters degree in psychology and is currently a PhD candidate majoring in psychology. He is currently the weekend Motorsports Editor for Autoweek.
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