W4C stands firmly committed to a bias crimes bill that protects all people

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/26/19

We are deeply disappointed in the actions of the House of Representatives today with its failure to include all Hoosiers in their amendment addressing bias crimes.

The exclusion of gender, gender identity and age leaves large numbers of Hoosiers exposed to victimization.

On the heels of the #MeToo movement and countless examples of the harassment and assault of women, it is hard to believe that a bias crimes bill passed in 2019 would exclude gender. 

Likewise, national statistics clearly show that our transgender community is disproportionately affected by hate crimes around the country. Indiana has not escaped this trend.

In this, International Women’s Month, we implore the Indiana General Assembly to pass meaningful bias crimes legislation that protects all Hoosiers regardless of their gender, gender identity or age.

We call on Governor Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly to complete the list of protected groups as they finish their work in the 2019 General Assembly. Anything less would be a disservice to residents of our great state.