NCAA president Mark Emmert addresses the media during a Thursday press conference ahead of the Final Four in Indianapolis. (Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS – The NCAA “would find it very difficult to operate” in Indiana unless the state’s controversial religious freedom law is changed, NCAA President Mark Emmert said Thursday, and the organization may consider laws regarding discrimination against gays in other states before deciding where to hold future events like the Final Four.
Speaking at a news conference at Lucas Oil Stadium, the site of this year’s men’s Final Four, Emmert expressed dismay at the actions of Indiana Republican lawmakers who helped pass the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, a law which sparked controversy here just days before the city where the NCAA is headquartered hosts one of college sports’ premier events.
Emmert said he called Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) this week to voice his concerns, and he’s optimistic that legislators will make changes to the law, which critics have claimed legally empowers businesses to discriminate against gays, prompting calls for boycotts of Indiana from business leaders across the country.
Hours before Emmert spoke, Indiana lawmakers announced plans to add language to the law explicitly barring businesses from denying service to patrons based on sexual orientation. 10 minutes left
NCAA President Mark Emmert addresses religious freedom issue - Washington Post
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