More Than $842K Raised For Indiana Pizzeria After Uproar Over Stance On Religious Freedom Law
(CBS) -- The online fundraising campaign for the owners of an Indiana pizzeria who decided to close their restaurant amid threats over comments made about serving gays ended Friday night, having raised far more than anticipated, reports WBBM's Mike Krauser.
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More than 29,000 people donated $842,592 over three days for the O'Connor family, who voiced their support for Indiana's controversial religious freedom law.
It started over a hypothetical question. Crystal O'Connor, co-owner of Memories Pizza in Walkerton, was asked by a local TV reporter if she would serve gays and lesbians. Yes, she said, but because of her religious beliefs, she would draw the line at catering a gay wedding.
The ensuing firestorm, including threats to burn down and rob the place, sent the O'Connors into hiding. Conservative supporters, trying to make a point about religious freedom, started the GoFundMe page with an initial goal of $25,000.
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence and state lawmakers have since amended the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, prohibiting businesses from using the law as a legal defense for refusing to provide anyone service. The changes also bar discrimination based on race, religion, color, ancestry, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military service.
