Apple CEO blasts Indiana ‘religious freedom’ law

by Elise Viebeck - 03/28/15 10:47 AM ET

The CEO of Apple is wading into the debate over a new Indiana law that some believe could allow businesses to turn away gay, lesbian or transgender customers.

Tim Cook, who came out as gay last year, took to Twitter to express his disapproval of the statute.

“Apple is open for everyone,” Cook tweeted. “We are deeply disappointed in Indiana’s new law.”

{mosads}The message marks an escalation in Silicon Valley’s criticism of Indiana over the measure, which was praised by conservatives as a victory for religious freedom.

The controversial bill will give Indiana business owners a legal right to deny service to gay people if they object to homosexuality on religious grounds.

The legislation, signed into law Friday, would prevent state and local governments from “substantially burdening” a person’s religious exercise without a compelling interest.

Many in the tech community are rallying to oppose the measure.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff canceled all company events in Indiana and tweeted that his company was “forced to dramatically reduce our investment in IN based on our employees’ and customers’ outrage” over the bill.

Yelp founder Jeremy Stoppelman also warned that his firm would not consider locating a “significant business presence” in states that enact similar laws.

Supporters of the law say it is not discriminatory.