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Audra McDonald Rips Indiana Governor Over Law

Audra McDonald Rips Indiana Governor Over Law

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The Broadway singer and actress tweeted her disgust with the newly passed Religious Freedom Restoration Act in Indiana.

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Audra McDonald has one of the most beautiful voices in the world -- and she's using it to speak out against antigay legislation.

The Broadway star sent a series of messages through Twitter to Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, after he signed the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act Thursday morning.

Called a "license to discriminate" by activists, the law emboldens individuals and businesses to refuse service to LGBT people -- or anyone else who allegedly offends a citizen's sincerely held religious belief.

There have been several immediate examples of backlash from the signing of the act, including concern from the NCAA, which is scheduled to have a Final Four game take place in Indianapolis next week, as well as George Takei, who is calling for a boycott.

McDonald, a prominent LGBT activist who works to raise funds for homeless youth, has joined the chorus of dissenters. The six-time Tony Award winner has a performance scheduled April 7 in Bloomington, and she expressed her concern and outrage that members of her band, as well as herself, would be discriminated against for the sake of "religious liberty."

"Some in my band are gay & we have 2 gigs in your state next month. Should we call ahead to make sure the hotel accepts us all? or could you maybe send us a list of where its okay for us to go? Might the law apply to me?(I'm black). or maybe I should fire my gay band members just to be on the safe side," she wrote. "Or MAYBE...we need to stick to singing in states that don't legislate hate?"

McDonald considered a boycott, but ultimately announced that proceeds from her Indiana concert would be donated to LGBT rights groups. See the remarks below.

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Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.
Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.