SB198, the Indiana Hate Crimes Bill, is not a step forward. Women4Change urges Gov. Holcomb to veto this bill.

Media contact: Alysa Villelli

Email: Alysa@Women4ChangeIndiana.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2019

Indianapolis, IN — SB198 does not cover all Hoosiers and it omits some of our state's most vulnerable targets of hate crimes. Also, Women4Change agrees with our community partner, ACLU, that the wording of this bill is so vague that it may be unconstitutional and will certainly lead to numerous lawsuits over First Amendment rights. 

A hate crimes bill is needed to protect and advance the rights of all Hoosiers. Unfortunately this legislation falls far short of that goal. We ask the Governor to veto this bill. Women4Change pledges to fight alongside of him to pass future legislation that is clear, compassionate and can withstand challenges by the courts.