Imagine Indiana Bias Crimes Legislation Support Video Release

Imagine Indiana, in partnership with Indiana Competes, today have released a video in support of hate crimes legislation that includes an enumerated list of characteristics.

Governor Eric Holcomb has made the passage of a clear and specific hate crimes law part of his legislative agenda. Thirty of the nation’s leading civil rights organizations have described the current bill as “weak”, “vague” and “unacceptable”. This is Indiana’s opportunity to once again be a leader.

“This issue goes to the core of who we are as Hoosiers and how we treat one another. We want to show the country that Indiana is a welcoming place to live, work, build a business and raise a family. We are proud to support Governor Holcomb and partner with Indiana Competes in the effort to pass this important legislation,” said Brian McGrath, Director of Imagine Indiana.

Indiana has an opportunity to show the rest of the country that hate is not tolerated here. Passing a comprehensive bias crimes bill is the right thing to do for the state’s economy and it is the right thing to do for all Hoosiers.

“Indiana’s lack of a hate crimes law sends an unwelcoming message to the people who live here and the businesses that invest here. Employers will not expand in places that don’t welcome their diverse workforce, especially in industries where competitiveness relies on recruiting top talent. Indiana must pass a strong, unambiguous, and fully enumerated hate crimes law in 2019 to remove its status as one of just five states without full protections,” said Mark Fisher, Chief Policy Officer of the Indy Chamber, founding member of the Indiana Competes coalition.

“We stand with Governor Holcomb in his unwavering support of a clearly defined bias crimes law and thank him for his strong and active leadership on this issue for all Hoosiers,” said Ann D. Murtlow, president and CEO of United Way of Central Indiana, which serves as a lead organizer for the Indiana Forward campaign. “With the full support of thousands of individuals and leaders from Indiana’s business, nonprofit, advocacy, education and faith communities, we know the time is now for our elected officials to pass legislation that sets the record straight: Indiana is a place that welcomes diversity, and values the safety of all who live, work and do business here.”

Watch the video here: https://www.imagineindiana.org/blogs/bias-crimes-bill/

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