Proposal Would Make Illegal Local LGBT Non-Discrimination Policies
Proposal Would Make Illegal Local LGBT Non-Discrimination PoliciesOn Wednesday the Indiana House of Representatives will debate an amendment to House Bill 1010 that would prohibit cities and counties from providing equal rights protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
ACT NOW!Contact your State Representative immediately and tell them loud and clear that this proposal is simply not acceptable! Municipalities must retain the right to pass the laws for that are appropriate and needed for their community and their citizens. Basic human rights should be ensured for all Hoosiers.
Dear [ Decision Maker ] , I am writing in opposition to Rep Thompson's offensive amendment to House Bill 1010. This amendment is an attempt to circumvent the power of local governments. Representative Thompson's amendment is clearly aimed at usurping local human rights ordinances such as the one recently adopted by the city of Indianapolis. Municipalities must retain the right to pass laws that are appropriate and needed for their citizens. I ask that you oppose this amendment when it comes up for a vote.
Sincerely, |
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| Background Information |
In reaction to the success of Indiana Equality and its coalition partners in moving forward local human rights ordinances - the Religious Right, led by Advance America's Eric Miller, tapped Representative Jeff Thompson (R) to author an amendment to HB 1010 (eminent domain). The proposal, Amendment #12, specifies that local government may not extend protections for employment or housing that is "greater than those protections or opportunities offered by the Constitution of the State of Indiana, the Constitution of the United States, or federal law, except as expressly granted by statute."
This proposal would make illegal human rights protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity, including those that have been enacted in Bloomington, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Michigan City, West Lafayette, and Tippecanoe County.
On Tuesday afternoon Democratic House members argued that the amendment was neither acceptable nor relevant to the bill. Nevertheless, the amendment was ruled germane and debate began. After intense questioning of Rep. Thompson by a number of Representatives (both Democratic and Republican), Speaker Brian Bosma adjourned House for the day without taking a vote on Amendment #12. As there was no vote, the House will continue discussion on the proposal when they re-convene at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, January 25th.
