Wilco Cancels Concert In Indiana Over Religious Freedom Law

By John Dodge

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Chicago-based band Wilco has canceled an upcoming show in Indianapolis, in protest over the state's new religious freedom law.

"We are canceling our May 7 show at the Murat in Indianapolis," the band said in a statement posted on Facebook. "The 'Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act' feels like thinly disguised legal discrimination to us. Hope to get back to the Hoosier State someday soon, when this odious measure is repealed. Refunds available at point of purchase."

Critics say the law signed last week by Gov. Mike Pence could provide businesses legal protection for denying service to patrons, based on the owners' religious beliefs.

For example, a florist or caterer could freely deny their services to a gay couple planning a wedding, critics say.

Defenders of the law say it won't lead to discrimination, but rather allow Hoosiers to practice their faith without government interference.

Pence appeared on ABC's "This Week" to defend the law, "The question here is if there is a government action or a law that an individual believes impinges on their religious liberty, they have the opportunity to go to court ... and the court would evaluate the circumstance under the standards articulated in this act."