Dear Editor:
Criminals are holding Hoosiers hostage with a powerful weapon – hate.
The Noblesville Diversity Coalition joins the bipartisan coalition, Indiana Forward, in support of hate-crime legislation that is clear, inclusive and effective. The bill proposed by Representative Tony Cook (R-Cicero) that our members support would allow for stricter sentencing for convicted offenders who target victims based on their race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability.
Contrary to the misperception that passage of this bill would create special protections for one group over another, the fact is, every single Hoosier falls into the categories that a bias-crime law can protect. For example, we all have a race, an ethnicity, a gender identity, etc. And because of this, we would all be equally covered.
The problem of hate is very real for Hoosier communities like ours. In the last year alone, Hamilton County has experienced crimes that would qualify for stricter sentencing, such as the vandalism targeting a Jewish synagogue in Carmel and the vandalism of high schools in Noblesville and Westfield with racist threats of violence aimed at people of color.
It’s important to note that such a law would in no way prohibit free speech as some opponents fear. In January 2018, a video shared on social media showed a Noblesville teenager wearing a Nazi flag draped over his shoulders as he shouted racial and ethnic slurs in Forest Park. If a law was already in place, this teenager would not face stricter sentencing or any criminal charges for that matter – because there was no crime committed. His video, while disturbing, would be protected free speech.
It’s true that stricter sentences will not prevent every crime motivated by bias. Just as stricter sentences do not prevent every murder. But judges consider motivation when sentencing criminals who commit murder. The same should be true for hate crimes.
It’s time for Indiana lawmakers to take a stand and provide equal protection so all Hoosiers can feel safe – wherever we live, work, learn and worship. We join with Governor Eric Holcomb and fellow Hoosiers across the state urging the Indiana General Assembly to pass bias-crime legislation.
Sincerely,
Noblesville Diversity Coalition
Connie Blanford, Noblesville Citizen
Dan Cavallini, Noblesville Citizen
Steve Cooke, Deputy Mayor, City of Noblesville
Laura Denis, Director of Student Services, Noblesville Schools
Rev. Teri L. Ditslear, ECLA, Roots of Life Community
Bob DuBois, President, Noblesville Chamber
Pete Freeman, Noblesville Citizen
Bryan Glover, Co-owner, Mr. G’s Liquors
Jim Gorby, Noblesville Citizen
Jennifer Harris, Noblesville Citizen
Rev. Aaron Hobbs, Pastor, Noblesville First United Methodist Church
Brandi C. Holmes, Noblesville Citizen
La Vella Hyter, Noblesville Citizen
Cal Kadourah, Noblesville Citizen
Michele Leach, Noblesville Citizen
Wendy Nelson, Noblesville Citizen
Dr. Beth Niedermeyer, Superintendent, Noblesville Schools
Janina Pettiford, Manager, Love’s Hangover Creations
Rev. Patrick Propst, Senior Pastor, Faith Community Church
Dana Randall, Noblesville Citizen
Lisa Sobek, Noblesville Citizen
Luis Sorto, Noblesville Citizen
Kim Sweet, Noblesville Citizen
Becky Terry, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Noblesville
Dwayne Thompson, Noblesville Citizen
Jennifer Townsend, Director of Learning, Noblesville Schools
Emily Awour Wasonga, Owner, Love’s Hangover Creations
Tamara Winfrey-Harris, Central Indiana Community Foundation