The list of companies threatening to reduce business or leave states that have passed or plan to pass so-called “religious freedom” bills is growing daily. Walmart, Apple, and the Arkansas Chamber of Commerce are among the business interests that have come out against a proposed religious exemption bill in Arkansas.

Apple is open for everyone. We are deeply disappointed in Indiana's new law and calling on Arkansas Gov. to veto the similar #HB1228.

— Tim Cook (@tim_cook) March 27, 2015

"While HB1228 will not change how we treat our associates and operate our business, we feel this legislation is also counter to our core basic belief of respect for the individual and sends the wrong message about Arkansas, as well as the diverse environment which exists in the state," Wal-Mart spokesman Lorenzo Lopez said in a statement.

Angie's List also announced they will halt a $40 million expansion project in the state, which would have created 1000 jobs.

After a religious exemption bill was signed in Indiana, Salesforce announced it will stop sending staff to Indiana and will stop investing in the state. The NCAA and NFL have both reaffirmed they are against discrimination and indicated they will be considering next steps. Several organizations including Gen Con and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) have threatened to pull their conventions from the state. Many celebrities and politicians, including Hillary Clinton, have also spoken out against the bill. 

In Georgia, where a similar bill is pending, the film industry is threatening to boycott Atlanta, considered the “Hollywood of the South.” Longtime gay rights foe, Republican, and former Attorney General Michael Bowers has come out strongly against the bill. The following organizations are already threatening to withdraw their conventions from Georgia if SB 129 becomes law: American Society for Higher Education; American Academy of Religion; American Historical Association; German Studies Association; History of Science Society; Philosophy of Science Association; and the Society for Biblical Literature, Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts.

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Watch the television advertisement running in Arkansas asking people to call their legislators.