Indiana is one of only 5 states in the nation without a clear and specific hate crimes law. We stand out because we haven’t stood up to protect Hoosiers from hate crimes, or to welcome new business opportunities and top talent to our state to strengthen our economy. 45 other states have laws with specific guidance for law enforcement and the justice system. Passing a vague bill won’t allow Indiana to join this group or repair our reputation among people and employers. It’s important enact a law that allows judges to increase sentences for criminals if it’s proven in the courtroom that they targeted their victim because of race; ethnicity; religion; national origin; sex; disability; gender identity; or sexual orientation. It’s important to enact a law with substance, to give businesses the confidence to invest in Indiana as a state that’s welcoming to a diverse workforce. Gov. Eric Holcomb, the business community and thousands of Hoosiers have made clear that we want Indiana to join the 45 states who have a hate crimes law. We’re ready to get off the list of states that refuse to stand up to hate. There is no way to get off the list of states without a hate crimes law if we do not include an enumerated list of characteristics. I hope you will publicly support and vote for a clear and specific hate crimes law that includes an enumerated list of characteristics. Sincerely,

Currently, Indiana is one of only 5 states in the nation without a clear and specific hate crimes law. Gov. Eric Holcomb, the business community and thousands of Hoosiers have made clear that we want Indiana to join the 45 states who have a hate crimes law. We can only do this if the General Assembly passes a clear, specific and inclusive hate crimes law that allows judges to increase criminal sentences when the crime was motivated by bias toward a victim because of their race; ethnicity; religion; national origin; sex; disability; gender identity; or sexual orientation. There is no way to get off the list of states without a hate crimes law if we do not include an enumerated list of characteristics. Indiana’s lack of a hate crimes law sends an unwelcoming message to the people who live here and work here, and to those who are considering making the Hoosier state their home. Now more than ever, it is important to send a message that Indiana is a welcoming, safe place to live, work and build a business. I hope you will publicly support and vote for a clear and specific hate crimes law that includes an enumerated list of characteristics. Sincerely,

Indiana’s lack of a hate crimes law sends an unwelcoming message to the people who live and work here, and to those who are considering making the Hoosier state their home. Passing a hate crimes law with a clear list of characteristics is the right thing to do for people, businesses and our state’s national and global reputation. Our state is one of only 5 states in the nation without a clear and specific hate crimes law. There is no way to get off the list of states without a hate crimes law if we do not include an enumerated list of characteristics. The Governor, the business community and thousands of Hoosiers have made clear that we want Indiana to join the 45 states who have a hate crimes law. We can only do this if the General Assembly passes a clear, specific and inclusive hate crimes law that allows judges to increase criminal sentences when the crime was motivated by bias toward a victim because of their race; ethnicity; religion; national origin; sex; disability; gender identity; or sexual orientation. I hope you will publicly support and vote for a clear and specific hate crimes law that includes an enumerated list of characteristics. Sincerely,