Indiana lawmakers have signed an all new bill into law that will allow businesses to deny customers on grounds of religious beliefs. Say what you will, but the law is clearly aimed to target the Gay and Lesbian community, as well as those of religious beliefs such as Muslims. No matter what the politicians would have you believe, it’s a law that clearly is meant to discriminate against a segment of society. Businesses are fighting back, with major corporations threatening to pull out of Indiana, stop operations and just pretend that it doesn’t exist. On Friday, while all this was going on, the family friendly Holiday World posted it’s “Values”. The Indiana park has long prided itself in being a family destination, and has put their guests ahead of their own profits with things like free parking, and free sodas. Has the park also come out against this new bill as well?
On Friday the HoliBlog (the official Holiday World Blog) posted what their “values” are. The legendary family park has long since done things to make families feel welcome, such as free sodas and free parking. The family atmosphere is evident, and the park is growing exponentially. The values include things such as “We Play by the Rules” and “We Respect the Individual”. The park doesn’t come right out and say it, but it seems that they are not in support of the bill. Of course, they can’t come right out and say it, so they leave a lot open to interpretation, but one passage of the article rings out:
“We have, and we will always, respect every single Guest who chooses to spend their day with us, regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs.”
Why is this such a big deal? Can’t Holiday World just stay out of it? The simple fact is, no…they can’t. There’s a lot at risk here for not only Holiday World, but business in general in Indiana.
With the new bill introduced, many corporations are pulling out of Indiana, refusing to expand, and sporting teams and events are starting to look long and hard at the possibilities of relocating, and even cancelling major events like the NCAA Championships. Tourists are also starting to look at the state, and many from out of state, including coaster enthusiasts, are cancelling those vacation plans. Who would want to spend money in a state where you might be refused service?
Holiday World hasn’t come right out and said “we don’t support the bill” or “we support it”, but what they have done is opened the doors and said “While we have to play by the rules, we don’t have to agree with them. We don’t care who you are, what you believe, or what you do, we will welcome you with open arms regardless.”
Of course, this is all a matter of interpretation, since the park doesn’t come right out and say anything.
It just seems that Holiday World wants you to know that your opinions and beliefs are yours, and they respect that. Just another reason Holiday World is so great.
Plus, they’re opening a really cool coaster this summer…so there’s that too.
Stay tuned for more from Holiday World, and be sure to get social with us on Facebook, and follow along with us on Twitter @BehindThrills for the latest updates!
