Hundreds of people gather outside Indiana Statehouse, some carrying "no hate in our state" signs, to rally against a new law that opponents say could sanction discrimination against gay people.

The measure, which takes effect in July, prohibits state laws that "substantially burden" a person's ability to follow his or her religious beliefs. The definition of "person" includes religious institutions, businesses and associations.

Saturday's crowd, for which police didn't have an estimate, stretched across the south steps and lawn of the Statehouse. At one point, they chanted "Pence must go," and many held signs like "I'm pretty sure God doesn't hate anyone" and "No hate in our state."

Zach Adamson, a Democrat on Indianapolis' City-County Council, said to cheers that the law has nothing to do with religious freedom but everything to do with discrimination.

"This isn't 1950 Alabama, it's 2015 Indiana," he told those in attendance, adding that the law has brought embarrassment on the state.

He and other speakers urged people to register to vote and said the only way to stop laws like this is to elect new members of the Indiana General Assembly.

Supporters of the law maintain that courts haven't allowed discrimination to happen under similar laws covering the federal government and in 19 other states.

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, a Republican who opposed the law, said he and other city officials would be talking to many businesses and convention planners to counter the uproar the law has caused.

"I'm more concerned about making sure that everyone knows they can come in here and feel welcome," Ballard said.

The Indianapolis-based NCAA has expressed concerns about the law and has suggested it could move future events elsewhere; the men's Final Four will be held in the city next weekend.

Angie's List had sought an $18.5 million incentive package from Indianapolis' City-County Council to add 1,000 jobs over five years. But founder and CEO Bill Oseterle said in a statement Saturday that the expansion was on hold "until we fully understand the implications of the freedom restoration act on our employees."

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