Pacers on religious freedom act: 'Everyone is always welcome at Bankers Life Fieldhouse'

The Indiana Pacers issued a joint statement with the NBA, WNBA and the Indiana Fever on Saturday regarding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was recently signed into law in Indiana.

It reads as follows:

"The game of basketball is grounded in long established principles of inclusion and mutual respect. We will continue to ensure that all fans, players and employees feel welcome at all NBA and WNBA events in Indiana and elsewhere."

Pacers owner Herb Simon added the following comment:

"The Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever and Bankers Life Fieldhouse have the strongest possible commitment to inclusion and non-discrimination on any basis. Everyone is always welcome at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. That has always been the policy from the very beginning of the Simon family’s involvement and it always will be."

Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law a religious freedom bill on Thursday that could permit businesses to deny services to individuals on the basis of sexual orientation.