Sport is bigger than just the game. When it comes to any major sport. It’s up to the stars to take their fame and speak for things that are outside sport. And it’s not just the stars, the basketball organizations also try and make a difference in their respective communities.
Recently the state of Indiana passed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) is a federal law passed in 1993 which is intended to prevent other federal laws from substantially burdening a person’s free exercise of religion. (Definition via The Gospel Coalition)
Only 19 US States have passed this Act, Indiana being the most recent one. The NBA’s Indiana Pacers and WNBA’s Indiana Fever have sent a joint press release about the new legislation.
“The game of basketball is grounded in long established principles of inclusion and mutual respect. We will continue to ensure that all fans, players and employees feel welcome at all NBA and WNBA events in Indiana and elsewhere.”
Additionally, Pacers and Fever owner Herb Simon stated:
“The Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever and Bankers Life Fieldhouse have the strongest possible commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination on any basis. Everyone is always welcome at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. That has always been the policy from the very beginning of the Simon family’s involvement and it always will be.”
This presents us the continued growth that America is trying to show. To preach non-discrimination. And there is no time like now to show equality. Good on the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever to show support.
