Following the creation of the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act" some of the biggest tech companies have decided to boycott the state and its upcoming events.

Opponents to the law state that it could lead to discrimination against LGBT, with companies such as Salesforce at the front line of speaking out against it.

Several of the companies have stated that they will not only boycott events in the state, but will also consider winding down any operations that they have there.

In this battle of tech vs discrimination it will be interesting to see who prevails. If I had to make a prediction, I would suggest that once tech companies start to remove business from the state, then the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) will likely be reversed.

CBR has compiled a list of what some of the tech companies have had to say.

1. Salesforce

Marc Benioff, CEO, Salesforce, has become one of the leading voices against the Act, tweeted to say: "Today we are cancelling all programs that require our customers/employees to travel to Indiana to face discrimination."

Benioff has also put his name to an open letter calling for the veto of the RFRA Act by Governor Mike Pence, which was also signed by CloudOne CEO John McDonald, CEO and Founder of Salesvue Bill Johnson, Jenny Vance President of LeadJen and several others.

 

2. EMC

Jeremy Burton, President Products & Marketing, EMC, went on Twitter to say: "The discriminatory law passed in Indiana goes against the culture of diversity & inclusion we have at EMC."

"We intend to take a stand against this discrimination by not attending IndyBigData later this month."

 

3. Apple

The CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, tweeted: "Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana’s new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228."

"Around the world, we strive to treat every customer the same — regardless of where they come from, how they worship or who they love."

Cook has also penned an article on The Washington Post where he highlighted the dangers of pro discrimination laws.

Cook, wrote: "This isn’t a political issue. It isn’t a religious issue. This is about how we treat each other as human beings. Opposing discrimination takes courage."

"With the lives and dignity of so many people at stake, it’s time for all of us to be courageous."

 

4. CA Technologies

Michael Gregoire, CEO of CA Technologies, has added his voice to back the tech calls for the RFRA to be vetoed. Gregoire wrote on the CA blog: "I would like to affirm that CA joins other CEOs in fighting discrimination."

"Governor Pence should veto the proposed RFRA on the grounds that it clearly blurs the line between the separation of church and state, opening the door to blatant discrimination."

"As leaders, it is our responsibility to demand and support equal rights for all employees, suppliers, customers and partners, no matter the state or country in which they reside or work."

"Progressive thinking is the hallmark of the tech industry, and I stand with other CEOs who oppose backward-looking legislation such as the RFRA."

 

5. Yelp

Jeremy Stoppleman, CEO of Yelp, released a statement saying: "It is unconscionable to imagine that Yelp would create, maintain, or expand a significant business presence in any state that encouraged discrimination by businesses against our employees, or consumers at large."

"Yelp will make every effort to expand its corporate presence only in states that do not have these laws allowing for discrimination on the books."