FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Wednesday afternoon, Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry released the following statement, in regards to the status of Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act:

I am deeply concerned about the perception of intolerance the nation now has of Hoosiers and our state due to Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Now is not the time to jeopardize the positive momentum Fort Wayne is experiencing in economic development and quality of life. Fort Wayne’s local ordinance already makes it unlawful to deny goods or services to anyone based on race, sex, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, or sexual orientation. I know Fort Wayne residents and businesses do not stand for discrimination and welcome all to live, work, play and visit here. 

This ongoing controversy is impeding progress to move our city and region forward. I call on Gov. Pence, Sen. Long, Speaker Bosma and the members of the General Assembly to reach a swift but decisive resolution to this mess so we can continue to invest in the future of our community without distraction.