A group of independent record labels and music businesses based in Indiana are calling for the repeal of the IRFRA signed into law on March 26 by Indiana governor Mike Pence, but go onto to call a growing boycott of the state "well-intended" and "misguided."
Here is the full text of the letter and its signatories [we've added bold for emphasis]:
We are a group of independent record labels and music businesses based in Indiana. We are deeply disappointed with the recent passage of the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act and the message that it sends to those both in and out of our state. At the very least, this is a poorly written and unnecessary piece of legislation. At the worst, it provides a path to legal discrimination.
We join the chorus of Indiana residents and businesses calling on Governor Mike Pence and the Indiana General Assembly to repeal the IRFRA. Additionally, we appeal to our state government leaders to enact legislation clearly protecting the civil liberties of LGBT individuals to assure that none of our employees or neighbors may be discriminated against due to sexual orientation or gender identity.
Some businesses and individuals have taken action to suspend or reduce participation in Indiana's economy. While this sort of action is well-intended to place pressure on government leaders to repeal or fix this law, we feel an isolationist approach can sometimes be misguided. As music companies, we cherish the power which music and art can have in promoting social progress. We believe cultural events can be a great opportunity to put a glaring spotlight on injustice. We will continue to proudly call Indiana home, and we call on others in the arts community to address this issue constructively. To musicians with events scheduled in Indiana — please follow through and perform. While canceling shows is one way to protest, a greater statement can be made by coming here and using your art to influence the policy debate that is occurring locally. You can insist that the venue you play publicly states that they will not discriminate under any circumstances. If the venue won’t do that, rebook your show with another venue that will. Your performance can be a rally. We need your support locally.
Signed with respect,
Action Jackson
Arthur's Music Store
Asthmatic Kitty Records
ATFU
The Bishop
Bloomington Guitar & Amp
BlueSanct
Birdy's Live
Cultural Cannibals
Dead Oceans (Secretly Group)
DJ Limelight
DJ Spikes
Fact Recording
Flannelgraph Records
Fort William Artist Management
The HI-FI
Houseplant Records
indiENGAGE
Indy CD & Vinyl
Irvington Vinyl
Jagjaguwar (Secretly Group)
Jay Brookinz
Joyful Noise Recordings
Jurassic Pop Records
Landlocked Music
Luna Music
Magnetic South Recordings
Mahern Audio
Meitus Gelbert Rose LLP
Melodic Virtue
MOKB Presents
Oreo Jones
Rad Summer
Russian Recording
Sacred Phrases
SC Distribution
SC Publishing (Secretly Group)
Secretly Canadian (Secretly Group)
Spirit of ’68 Promotions
TD's CDs and LPs
Timechange Records
