WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Salesforce.com Inc. (CRM) has decided to avoid the state of Indiana for any of its future events, after the state passed the controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which gives businesses freedom to deny services to gays on religious grounds.
The cloud computing company's chief executive Marc Benioff tweeted, 'Today we are canceling all programs that require our customers/employees to travel to Indiana to face discrimination.'
Salesforce.com plans to dramatically reduce its investment in the state as a result of the new law.
The bill received overwhelming support from both chambers of the Republican-controlled state legislature. However, critics fear that it may be used to discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender community.
Gay weddings were legalized in Indiana last year. Gay rights groups are concerned that the new law may be used by businesses who do not want to provide their services to gay marriages.
Marc Benioff also urged chief executives of other technology companies and industry leader to take a stand. His company acquired Indianapolis-based marketing software company ExactTarget last year in a $2.5 billion deal.
CRM closed at $65.99 on Thursday.
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