Now is the time to pass first hate crimes law

“Donald Trump’s election and his divisive messaging to Americans created an atmosphere of hate in Indiana.” This is a statement that has been conveyed to me by many Hoosiers since the November elections.

Communities across the state are reporting incidences of hate speech directed at racial and religious minorities. Places like Bloomington and Earlham College, thought to be bastions of inclusivity and learning, are under attack by those seeking to strike fear in others.

Whether it’s the letters “KKK” spray painted on the MLK Dream Team Freedom bus in Muncie, anti-gay slurs on a church in Brown County, or even anti-Semitic slurs sprayed on a place of worship in Brownsburg, we should make it clear the State of Indiana does not tolerate or condone hate. I cannot stand idly by while hard-working Hoosiers are attacked and made to feel inadequate or inferior. I will not tolerate hate speech in Indiana, and neither should you.

Clearly, Indiana can no longer remain one of only five states that does not increase the penalty for those who commit hate crimes. That is why I will again sponsor legislation in the Indiana Senate to make hate crimes illegal, allowing prosecutors and judges the ability to seek out the strongest penalties possible.

My legislation will also provide needed training to police forces around the state so that they can accurately identify hate crimes and report them to the State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Please note that Indiana law already requires law enforcement agencies to report these incidents to the State Police, but only five out of the over 200 law enforcement agencies comply with the law.

Regardless of your religion, gender, orientation, race, ethnicity or socioeconomic status, no one has the right to discriminate against you, or harm you or damage your property. We can all, Republican and Democrat, agree that we are against any form of discrimination against people based on who they are. At the end of the day we are all Hoosiers and Hoosiers don’t condone these types of actions.

If you are a victim or live in a community affected by hate crimes, I implore you to contact your state legislators, the police, and the governor’s office. I will do my best to work with both parties and the House of Representatives to implement meaningful protections for the citizens of Indiana.