RICHMOND, Va. (AP) _ Gov. Terry McAuliffe is courting Indiana businesses in the wake of that state’s governor signing legislation that’s been criticized as unfriendly to gay and lesbian workers. McAuliffe’s office issued an open letter to Indiana corporations Monday saying Virginia is a business-friendly state that does “not discriminate against our friends and neighbors.” Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed Indiana’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act last week. The act prohibits state laws that “substantially burden” a person’s ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. In his letter, McAuliffe touted his record of promoting equal rights and preventing discrimination based on sexual orientation. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel also sent a letter to about a dozen businesses leaders Monday asking them to consider moving.
