Is fifth time the charm? Senator again announces hate crime bill
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – There’s a new effort to get a hate crimes law on the books in Indiana.
Indiana is one of five states that doesn’t have a hate crimes law.
Democratic Senator Greg Taylor announced the legislation Tuesday morning. It’s the fifth time Senator Taylor has pushed for this bill.
Last session he got as close as ever with it passing the Senate, but it failed in the House.
But because of recent events, there’s hope it can go even further this time.
“In the wake of Orlando and the tragedy in Pulse (Nightclub) we are in a different space when it comes to conversations about people’s motivations for hateful actions they take,” said Jason Hinson-Nolen, the president of Indy Pride.
The conversation started Tuesday with nearly 1,000 from Orlando on the fourth floor of the Indiana statehouse.
“I think it’s about time that Indiana moved in the 21st century,” said Sen. Taylor.
Examples of targeted crimes are closer to home as well. In February the headquarters for the Islamic Society of North America in Plainfield was spray painted.
And in January of 2014 a black Johnson County family woke to a cross burning in their front yard.
“The fact that we know it happens, that’s the most disturbing part. We can’t sit here and say it doesn’t happen,” said Sen. Taylor.
The bill would enhance penalties when a victim is a target because of their race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, disability, ancestry, national origin, or sexual orientation.
“I’m sure if someone were to spray paint a swastika on a Jewish church, nobody would say ‘hey that’s just vandalism.’ That’s hatred and we need to recognize it,” said Sen. Taylor.
But the bill appears to be a non-starter with the Republican majority.
“In my 26 years I have not supported a hate crimes bill yet. My chief focus is protecting our finest,” said Republican Sen. Jim Merritt.
Last week Senator Merritt announced legislation to protect police officers who are targeted while off duty. At the time he rejected making the bill an all-inclusive hate crimes bill.
He reiterated that stance Tuesday, even after Sen. Taylor said he was open to a broader bipartisan bill.
“I’m focusing on that and that alone,” said Sen. Merritt.
But after Orlando, advocates say these protections are necessary.
“An individual chose to take action against people because of who they are. A hate crimes bill provides protections in that area and provides steeper penalties for those individuals that choose to act on those thoughts,” said Hinson-Nolen.
According to FBI data supplied by Sen. Taylor’s office, hate crimes happen in Indiana once every five days.
The General Assembly will start its new session in January.