Angie’s List is halting its Indiana expansion citing “anti-gay” law

Indiana has caused quite a stir with its Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The new law, which makes it legal for businesses to turn away homosexuals for religious reasons, has been called “anti-gay” by numerous groups and individuals and has prompted companies such as Angie’s List to take action. The website which reviews local businesses and service workers has announced that it has suspended its plans to expand in Indianapolis in response to the controversial law. 

Angie’s List, the website that publishes reviews of local businesses and service workers, announced on Saturday it had suspended plans to expand its Indianapolis headquarters following the passage of the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). The new law makes it legal for businesses in the state to turn away gays and lesbians for religious reasons. “Angie’s List is open to all and discriminates against none and we are hugely disappointed in what this bill represents,” Angie’s List CEO Bill Oesterle said in a statement. The company, which reports over 3 million paid subscribers, is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. A $40 million expansion project was scheduled to begin over the next few days, which would have included the purchase of a former Ford assembly plant and potentially added 1,000 jobs over the next five years.