INDIANAPOLIS - At the Indiana Business Chamber Legislative Preview Luncheon Monday, Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) warned against efforts to include gender identity in the proposed hate crimes legislation, cautioning supporters that they could end up with nothing if they demand "the whole enchilada."
ACLU of Indiana Director of Advocacy and Public Policy, Katie Blair issued this statement:
"The purpose of listing protected classes in civil rights and hate crimes laws is to ensure that those who are targeted by discrimination and are most vulnerable, are protected. Transgender people are disproportionately targeted with violence because of who they are.
"According to a USA Today article, this year has been the most violent on record for trans people. The FBI is reporting a 10% increase in crimes targeting individuals because of their gender identity. If the state of Indiana is serious about taking a stand against hate, gender identity should be included in any anti-discrimination law."
