Business, Community Groups Backing Indiana Hate Crimes Law

Business and community group leaders will be gathering at the Indiana Statehouse as part of their push for adoption of a state hate crimes law.

The group Indiana Forward says Tuesday's event will launch a lobbying campaign for the law that is being backed by hundreds of supporters from the business, nonprofit, education and faith communities. The presidents of United Way of Central Indiana and the Indianapolis chamber of commerce are to join Republican and Democratic officials at the event.

Indiana is one of just five states without laws specifically against crimes fueled by biases regarding traits such as race, religion and sexual orientation.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb is backing the proposal , which has been blocked by conservative lawmakers in recent years.