MAC will not hold events in Indiana because of religious-freedom law

The Mid-American Conference is boycotting Indiana because of its new religious-freedom law.

The commissioner of the MAC, John Steinbrecher, told ESPN that the conference will not hold meetings in the state until the law is changed or repealed.

"The Mid-American Conference will not schedule any more meetings or championships in Indiana until this current matter is brought to a sensible and appropriate conclusion," Steinbrecher told the site.

When the law was passed last week, the NCAA issued a strongly-worded statement that threatened the existence of NCAA events in the state if the law continued. The NCAA is based in Indianapolis.

The MAC holds its annual presidents' meetings in Indianapolis. The football conference championship game is held in Detroit. A petition has already been created to move the Big Ten title game out of Indianapolis.

Critics of the measure, which goes into effect on July 1 and is titled the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, feel that it opens the door for groups to be discriminated against on religious grounds. Tuesday, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said he'd seek to clarify the law and said it wasn't his intent for the law to give people the ability to discriminate.

From the AP:

The Indiana law prohibits any laws that "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The definition of "person" includes religious institutions, businesses and associations.

Although the legal language does not specifically mention gays and lesbians, critics say the law is designed to shield 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.

USC athletic director Pat Haden tweeted Tuesday that he wouldn't be attending College Football Playoff meetings in Indianapolis this week because of the law. Haden is a member of the CFP committee.

NASCAR issued a statement against the law on Tuesday as well and said it was disappointed in it. Other companies have written to Indiana urging the law's change.

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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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