Indiana Democratic Party 4-6-19 Weekly Radio Address Podcast

Chairman John Zody and the Indiana Democratic Party Weekly Radio Address Podcast for April 6, 2016

TRANSCRIPT:

This is Chairman John Zody, bringing you the weekly podcast for the Indiana Democratic Party.

This week was a disappointing set back for our fight for a real hate crimes law in Indiana. It’s important that when we talk about this topic to understand the facts:• Indiana still does not have an inclusive hate crimes law that Governor Holcomb said he wanted when this legislative session started, and we are still not off the “list”.• There has been a reported increase in hate crimes happening in our state and around the country.• A real hate crimes law requires a specific and comprehensive list of victim characteristics to ensure every Hoosier is protected and safe under Indiana law.

While all of these facts are enough to stand on their own, it is worth it to point out the simple fact that an overwhelming number of Hoosiers, business leaders, and organizations support a real hate crimes law. Unfortunately, Statehouse Republicans have out-muscled Governor Holcomb into switching his position from a full and comprehensive hate crimes law to a watered-down version that doesn’t do its job or get us off the short list of shame for states without a hate crimes law.

It’s disappointing to see the bill that the governor just signed falls short of including gender identity, sex, or age in the full list of characteristics. Indiana Democrats will keep fighting until every Hoosier is protected safely and equally under the law.

Republican lawmakers are refusing to acknowledge the need and Holcomb has broken the public’s trust to rightfully get this done. He has chosen to cut corners rather than take a stand. This is unacceptable and sends a message that Indiana is not a welcoming state—when the goal was to avoid a RFRA 2.0.

As the legislative session ends at the end of the month, our battle is going to be in the coming months and years to right this wrong and pass a real hate crimes law. Though being in the superminority makes it more difficult to overcome hurdles like this on issues we care about- we have a real opportunity to pick up more seats next election cycle in 2020 to not only break the supermajority but block legislation that hurts our communities and abandons our values like this watered-down hate crimes law.

I’m optimistic of what can happen here in Indiana. We just need everyone to help us get there, including you. You can get involved with the Party at indems.org/join.

Also, please follow the IDP on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram. Simply search INDems – that’s I-N-D-E-M-S on those social media platforms andfollow us to get the latest news about our candidates and what we’re doing to hold our counterparts at the Statehouse and in Washington accountable.

Thank you for listening.