March Madness provided the nation with the typical shock and awe. It’s been fantastic. But it has extended beyond the basketball court and performed a social duty. The tournament has placed a spotlight on Indiana legislation that allows segregation by sexual orientation, and it has forced some University big wigs to speak out against sexual-orientation discrimination. Much like blacks were denied basic services in the 60s, homosexual Americans can be denied access to private businesses, according to the new Indiana state laws. It’s a digression away from the basic American freedom for which the nation stands.
And because the issue borders so closely with America’s problems with race — past and present — it’s surprising that the players in the NBA and the NCAA haven’t made any demonstrations of dissent against the Indiana lawmakers. After all, NBA players have been incredibly vocal and active in demonstrating their distaste for Donald Sterling’s racism comments. And they’ve worn t-shirts in support of Eric Garner, a young man who had a fatal encounter with a police officer. Those shirts were worn by high school, college and NBA players. What a great opportunity for the players to step up again.
But when this archaic legislation came into place, there was a hush amongst NBA and NCAA players. And Jason Whitlock wondered on ESPN’s PTI, where is the support for the gay community? If you’re advocating for equal treatment, then shouldn’t you advocate for equal treatment for every race, religion, sexual orientation, and so on?
With the March Madness tournament scheduled to finish in Indiana, the nation’s spotlight will continue to expose the Indiana government’s movement for segregation. Because of the external pressure, they’re reconsidering the legislation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t sound like they will get rid of it altogether.
The Indy Star has been covering the events closely:
“After much reflection and in consultation with leadership in the General Assembly, I’ve come to the conclusion that it would be helpful to move legislation this week that makes it clear that this law does not give businesses a right to deny services to anyone,” [Gov. Mike Pence] told local and national media during an 11 a.m. news conference.
But Pence said he opposes the fix that many critics of the law have demanded: A statewide ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation.
“I’ve never supported that,” Pence said. “It’s not on my agenda. But I think it’s a completely separate question. I mean, we are talking about the religious freedom restoration act, which is about restoring the highest level of scrutiny in our state courts in matters of government action that intrude upon the religious liberty of Hoosiers. That’s where I want to stay focused.”
The tightrope Pence is walking on the issue has left supporters and opponents of the law in a state of suspense.
There’s always the chance that he’s stalling until the tournament blows over and the nation’s attention span runs out. At which point, he’ll continue on with as much of the proposed legislation as possible. It’s a terrible, but realistic possibility.
But had March Madness not taken place in Indiana, these laws may have otherwise gone less noticed. And hopefully the pressure will continue well after the tournament is finished. It would help if the players showed support of the gay community.