INDIANAPOLIS — Thousands of people are returning to Indianapolis for "the best four days in gaming," but the conference is taking a stand against Indiana's abortion ban bill.
Gen Con tweeted a statement Wednesday morning in response to the current special session.
"We at Gen Con believe in the right to autonomy over our bodies and the right to choose. Reproductive rights are human rights. Like many of you, we are hurt, angry, and frustrated by recent events, including the recent advancement of SB1 by the Indiana General Assembly," the tweet reads. "These actions have a direct impact on our team and our community, and we are committed to fighting for safety, tolerance, and justice in all the places we operate."
The largest tabletop game convention in North America takes place at the Indiana Convention Center from Thursday, Aug. 4 to Sunday, Aug. 7.
Gen Con has been held in Indianapolis since 2003 and is scheduled to be held in Indianapolis through 2026.
Chris Gahl, spokesperson for Visit Indy, said the state capital's official tourism site has been transparent with groups like Gen Con and continues to keep them updated on how the bills are progressing in the Indiana Statehouse.
"Other cities are eyeing this bill. We've been at national seminars and with our tourism counterparts across the nation. Other major cities are watching other bills in other states that are similarly progressing and being discussed," Gahl said. "The meeting planner industry is one of predominately female decision makers — we do know that. We also know it's a very polarizing issue what's being discussed. Visit Indy's job — and it has been for 100 years as the city's nonprofit in charge of driving tourism forward — is to not take political positions but rather listen and learn and help make sure tourism stays healthy."
Visit Indy said it's too soon to tell how the abortion ban bill would impact convention business in Indianapolis.
For those going to Gen Con this year, all attendees, exhibitors, event organizers, guests and staff are required to show full proof of vaccination against COVID-19, as well as wear a face mask at all times when inside the Indiana Convention Center.
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