Senate Passes Bias Crimes Bill Over Supporters Objections

The Indiana Senate passed legislation labeled a bias crimes law Thursday even as many supporters – and one of its co-authors – refuse to support it.

A change earlier this week flipped the issue on its head.

The hate crimes bill originally included a list of victim characteristics, including race, religion, and gender identity. But Senate Republicans stripped out that list; they claim it wasn’t inclusive enough – though they haven’t specified who is left out.

That change has longtime supporters of the bill – like Sen. Jean Breaux (D-Indianapolis) – now speaking against it.

“You chose not to move yourselves or to move Indiana forward," Breaux says. "You chose not enlightenment, but darkness.”

Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) authored the amendment. He doesn’t like the criticism he’s received for it.

“And I would suggest to you that a handshake would be great and say, ‘Sen. Freeman, thanks for keeping the issue alive,’” Freeman says.

The bill passed 39-10. Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette), one of the measure's co-authors, joined Democrats in voting against it.

The legislation now moves to the House. Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) says his caucus does not support a version of the bill that includes the list of victim characteristics, making it unlikely it will be added back in.