The Star Trek icon took to Facebook.com on Tuesday (24Mar15) and urged devotees to write to Governor Mike Pence and convince him not to sign bill SB101, aka the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which allows business owners to cite their religious beliefs as a defence if sued by a private party.

Advocates of the bill believe it protects fundamental religious rights, while opponents insist the bill legalises discrimination, specifically in situations where business owners could refuse to serve same-sex couples.

The controversial bill passed through both the Indiana House and Senate, and on Thursday (26Mar15), Pence signed the bill into law, causing an uproar of the new law's opponents, including Takei.

The actor, who has been married to longtime partner Brad Altman since 2008, returned to Facebook and slammed the Governor's actions, while calling on all gay rights advocates to no longer do business in Indiana.

Takei wrote, "I am outraged that Gov. Pence would sign such a divisive measure into law. He has made it clear that LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) couples, like Brad and me, are now unwelcome in his state. The notion that this bill was not driven by animus (hostility) against our community is belied by the record and frankly insulting.

"I will join many in demanding that socially responsible companies withdraw their business, conferences and support from his state and that LGBTs and our friends and supporters refuse to visit or do business with Indiana. It is a sad day for the Hoosier state, and indeed for the many good people of Indiana, for whom this law now stands as a terrible blight upon that state's reputation."

Staying true to his word, Takei has pulled out of attending GenCon, the world's largest gaming convention, which is held in Indianapolis every year. Convention officials threatened to stage the event in a different state after their current contract expires in 2020 if the law was passed.