Results States with RFL Dr Eric D Olson PhD Background Theoretical Framework Legislators in several states have introduced religious freedom laws FRL Critics suggest loose interpretation could be used to discriminate against minority groups ID: 719146
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Iowa State University
MEEC Perceptions and Impact of U.S. “Religious Freedom” Laws on Destination and Venue Selection
Results
States with RFL
Dr. Eric
D. Olson, PhD
Background
Theoretical Framework
Legislators in several states have introduced “religious freedom” laws (FRL).Critics suggest loose interpretation could be used to discriminate against minority groups.Gov. Mike Pence (Indiana) signed a bill into law in March 2015, and the MEEC backlash was significant.Purpose of this research is to examine perceptions/impact of FRL.
Discussion
Methodology
Qualitative:
Eight semi-structured personal interviews with MEEC planners in 3 U.S. Midwest cities.
Quantitative: Single-factor experimental design with written scenarios. Research design was a 2 (FRL: yes vs. no) experimental design.
Female wedding planner
“I would specifically advise my clients to avoid a city that has such laws on the books.”Female association planner“It really was interesting to see how the industry responded to Indiana. Numerous events threatened to pull out.” Male corporate planner“…such laws seem too vague for attendees. Would a gay person feel welcome?”
Respondents (N = 115) whose scenario included the FRL indicated they had lower levels of fairness (M = 1.67/5.00) compared to scenario without FRL (M = 4.25/5.00), (F(1, 107) = 26.188, p < 0.001). Fairness predicted intention to select MEEC venue (β = 0.532, p < 0.001) and destination (β = 0.615, p < 0.001), (F(3, 204) = 25.776, p < 0.001). Minority group identification and the FRL in a location was significant (b = 0.12, β = 0.506).
FRL are a concern for MEEC planners and used in decision for venue & destination.
Study implications for destination managers and legislators are provided.