State of Indiana Archives: on Civil Rights

Erin Houchin: Religious Freedom Act is not about LGBT discrimination

Summary by Kokomo Tribune, Sep 24, 2015:The most hot-button issue of all during the 2015 General Assembly, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, was signed in March. Proponents of the bill said it was designed to keep local and state laws from "substantially burdening" the deeply-held religious principles of individuals, businesses or religious institutions. Those against the bill felt it opened a Pandora's box for discrimination against minorities, especially the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) community. "This bill is not about discrimination, and if I thought it legalized discrimination in any way in Indiana, I would have vetoed it," Pence said at the time. "For more than 20 years, the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act has never undermined our nation's anti-discrimination laws, and it will not in Indiana."

Legislative Summary: Passed House 63-31-5 on Mar/23/2015; Passed Senate 40-8-2 on Mar/24; Sen. Erin Houchin voted YES.

Source: Kokomo Tribune on Indiana Voting Records for bill SB101 Mar 24, 2015

Andrew Straw: Incentives to hire qualified women into management

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Legally require hiring more women/minorities"?

A: Oppose discriminating against men, who are a minority, to benefit women, who are the majority. Support financial incentives for businesses to hire more qualified women and advance them to top management when they are qualified.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Indiana Senate candidate Feb 28, 2018

Andrew Straw: Same-sex marriage is none of state's business

Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Comfortable with same-sex marriage"?

A: Agreed, but uncomfortable with the Supreme Court making radical shifts in constitutional policy in one generation. Stare decisis.

Q: The Supreme Court has indeed made a radical shift in constitutional policy in one generation--20 years ago, same-sex marriage was illegal in all 50 states, and now it's legal. So do you disagree with that radical shift?

A: I feel that marriage should not involve a state license. Why should a state be involved with marriage licenses? Once you take the state out of it, marriage can be done by anyone and it's totally the conscience of the married couple. I just don't feel like my opinion should matter at all. None of my business. None of the state's business.

Source: OnTheIssues follow-up with 2018 Indiana Senate candidate Mar 2, 2018

Andrew Straw: Gay marriage bans are like anti-miscegenation laws

Q: You say that same-sex marriage is none of your business and none of the state's business--what's the bottom line? Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry under current state and federal law?

A: If gay people want to marry and it makes them happy, they can find a celebrant and be married. Maybe they can announce it to the state when needed, but the state should not be choosing who can get married just like when states in the South had anti-miscegenation laws. Disabled people have been restricted also and even worse, sterilized. Indiana was the first place to sterilize disabled people. When I think of family matters, I think private and I wish the state and federal governments would move in the direction of protecting people's privacy. Civil rights laws should protect gay people like they do race and gender and disability, etc.

Source: OnTheIssues follow-up with 2018 Indiana Senate candidate Mar 2, 2018

Baron Hill: 2006: Marriage is sacred; 2015: guarantee marriage equality

Baron Hill is casting himself as a champion of gay rights, in an attempt to shift away from the anti-marriage equality image he had during his previous stint in Congress. "Marriage equality is especially close to my own heart," said Hill in an email to supporters. "In 2004, I voted against the Constitutional Amendment banning marriage equality. I'm proud of Hoosiers who are fighting to make sure our friends and neighbors are guaranteed equal rights."

During his final years in Congress, in 2011, the pro-LGBT Human Rights Campaign gave Hill a 70% rating on issues of equality. Though Hill did oppose amending the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, he didn't exactly champion the right for same-sex couples to wed either. In fact, he campaigned against it. During his 2006 re-election campaign, Hill ran an ad in which he said that "marriage between a man and woman is sacred." But support for same-sex marriage has become significantly more mainstream since Hill's time in office.

Source: Huffington Post on 2016 Indiana Senate race Jun 19, 2015

Baron Hill: For ENDA & against DADT & in Congress; evolved on marriage

Baron Hill's campaign said in a statement that Hill had evolved on the issue of same-sex marriage over time. In addition to touting his opposition to the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and support for DADT repeal, the campaign pointed out that he voted for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act--which would bar workplace discrimination against LGBT people--in 2010.

"Baron is proud to support marriage equality--bottom line, everyone deserves equal rights," the statement read, adding, "Like many Americans, Baron's personal views have continued to evolve on this issue and he feels strongly that no Hoosier should be made to feel less equal because of who they love."

LGBT equality has been a hot topic in Indiana since Gov. Mike Pence (R) signed a so-called religious freedom law that could have allowed businesses to deny service to same-sex couples. After significant national backlash, Pence signed a revised version of the measure.

Source: Huffington Post on 2016 Indiana Senate race Jun 19, 2015

Brian Bosma: No civil unions; no gay marriage

Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?

A: Yes.

Q: Should same-sex couples be allowed to form civil unions?

A: No.

Q: Do you support the inclusion of sexual orientation in Indiana's anti-discrimination laws?

A: No.

Q: Do you support the inclusion of gender identity in Indiana's anti-discrimination laws?

A: No.

Bosma adds, "Unmarried couples have adequate protection under Indiana's current health and property transfer laws, and I support the rights of unmarried couples to contract as they choose regarding the same without reference to their sexual orientation or gender."

Source: Indiana Gubernatorial 2012 PVS Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2012

Eddie Melton: Will fight to enact state hate crimes law

When Republicans gutted the first chance at passing meaningful hate crimes legislation, they told Indiana and the rest of the country that our state does not protect its citizens. Eddie will continue to fight to ensure that every Hoosier no matter their race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, gender or age, are protected and that crimes against someone due to their immutable characteristics are unacceptable and unwelcome in this state. Source: 2020 Indiana Gubernatorial campaign website EddieMelton.com Dec 5, 2019

Eddie Melton: Endorsed by the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus PAC

"The Indiana Black Caucus PAC's mission is to work towards greater economic, educational and social opportunities for all residents of Indiana. Senator Melton is the embodiment of that effort. From his time as a social worker, serving the most vulnerable amongst us, to his legislative accomplishments of incentivizing job creation, and increasing educational funding, his thoughtful approach to bring all parties to the table to progress our shared goals, is a testament to his leadership." Source: 2020 Indiana Gubernatorial campaign website EddieMelton.com Dec 5, 2019

Eric Holcomb: Supportive of the LGBT community: zero discrimination

Holcomb said about his two opponents Stutzman and Young, "We want to make sure people understand two of these candidates want to shut down the government; one of them has said he won't do that. Two of these candidates are not supportive of the LGBT community; one of them is. Two of these candidates are very xenophobic on immigration policy; one of them isn't."

Holcomb said he doesn't support efforts to shut down the government, believes securing the border should be a priority, and has a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination. But he declined to take a position on whether civil rights protections for LGBT people should extend to public accommodations. "Anyone that's worked for me or with me will say I can work with people who come from very diverse perspectives. I've always tried to approach these hard issues that need to be solved with consensus," he said.

Source: Chicago Tribune on 2016 Indiana Senate race Nov 10, 2015

Eric Holcomb: Supports enacting hate crime laws

"No law can stop evil, but we should be clear that our state stands with the victims and their voices will not be silenced," the conservative governor claimed in a statement. "For that reason it is my intent that we get something done this next legislative session, so Indiana can be one of 46 states with hate crime legislation--and not one of five states without it." Source: IntoMore.com blog on 2020 Indiana gubernatorial race Aug 7, 2018

Eric Holcomb: Now supports protecting sexual orientation, gender identity

The conservative once claimed LGBTQ rights are "not an issue [he's] focused on at all." A spokesperson for Holcomb confirmed the governor's support for an Indiana hate crime law would include protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Rachel Hoffmeyer, digital communications director for the governor said, "This reflects the governor's policy statement on affirmative action and workplace harassment prevention, which includes sexual orientation and gender identity." Source: IntoMore.com blog on 2020 Indiana gubernatorial race Aug 7, 2018

Eric Holcomb: Hate crimes not about thoughts, but about actions

Some conservatives argue that adopting a hate crime law would create a "protected" class of citizen. Another common refrain among lawmakers who oppose the idea is that it would target "thought crime." All crimes are bad, they say, regardless of what motivates them. Holcomb says "nothing could be further from the truth." "You want to have a moronic thought ... that's your right," he said. "But when it becomes a criminal action, you've crossed the line." Source: WTHR 13 Indianapolis News on 2020 Indiana gubernatorial race Dec 15, 2018

Eric Holcomb: Calls for resignation of Indiana AG over harassment charge

Indiana's attorney general is facing allegations of sexual harassment and defamation in a federal lawsuit filed by four women who say he drunkenly groped them during a party last year. Attorney General Curtis Hill is accused of touching the backs or buttocks of Democratic Rep. Mara Candelaria Reardon of Munster and three legislative staffers. Hill has denied wrongdoing and rebuffed calls from Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb and other state officials to resign. Source: San Francisco Chronicle on 2020 Indiana gubernatorial race Jun 18, 2019

Eric Holcomb: Signed into law consolidation of minority precincts

In August 2017, Holcomb signed into law Senate Bill 220, which requires Lake County--home to the second largest African-American population and largest Latino population in the state--to consolidate polling locations that had 600 or fewer active voters assigned to that location as of November 1, 2016. Senate Bill 220 applies only to Lake County. Of 522 election precincts, more than half are at risk of consolidation that would cause:

An increase in the time and effort voters have to expend to determine their new polling location
An increase in the distance and time required to travel to new polling locations
A reduction in the number of precinct committee-persons in Lake County (and thereby reduce representation in local and state offices)

Source: Eagle Country 99.3FM on 2020 Indiana gubernatorial race Apr 26, 2019

Jim Banks: Let businesses express traditional religious values

The past year has been rife with stories of Americans who want nothing more than to run their business in a manner consistent with their personal values, but we see time and time again how those values are under attack by those who will accept nothing less than compliance with their point of view, no matter how out of line it is with the values of some individuals or business owners.

Jim Banks believes that this issue will unequivocally be one of the defining issues of his lifetime as religious institutions, private organizations and businesses face increased scrutiny and zealous regulation designed to bring them in line with views that are directly opposed to their deeply-held personal values.

Hoosiers who value their religious freedom need to send someone to Washington who will fight to protect their values and not back down when there is a challenge to these important First Amendment freedoms. We can't afford to sacrifice this important founding principle on the altar of relativism.

Source: 2016 Indiana House campaign website JimBanks.us Nov 8, 2016

Joe Donnelly: Opposes same sex marriage

The President's support of same sex marriage is forcing Indiana politicians to make their feelings known on the issue and it's a problem for some Indiana Democrats. Same sex marriage is not a winning issue in Indiana.

Republican opposition to same sex marriage is shared by Democrat Joe Donnelly. Nevertheless, look for Democratic candidates to reach out to gay voters with calls for a new hate crime laws and other positions that are less polarizing than the support of same sex marriage.

Source: Jim Shella, WISH-TV-8, on 2012 Indiana Senate debates Apr 11, 2012

Joe Donnelly: Protect LGBT Hoosiers from discrimination

Today, U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly released the following statement after the Indiana Senate decided not to advance anti-discrimination protections for LGBT Hoosiers, effectively ending the debate on this issue during this legislative session in the Statehouse. The Senate faces a Wednesday deadline to send legislative proposals to the Indiana House.

Donnelly said, "It is disappointing that the Indiana legislature has failed to act to protect LGBT Hoosiers from discrimination. Surely we can agree that it is important for all Hoosiers to feel welcome in our state and for Indiana to be an attractive home to the businesses that create jobs and opportunities for our families. I remain hopeful that ultimately we will unite around civil rights protections for all Hoosiers."

Source: Press release, "LGBT Hoosiers" on 2018 Indiana Senate race Feb 2, 2016

John Gregg: Hoosiers welcome others inclusively; RFRA is divisive

While Pence has been focused on social issues like the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) that Gregg says can divide Indiana, the Democrat candidate said he is all about jobs, education and infrastructure. "Indiana's about being inclusive and welcoming all peoples whether we agree with them, look like them, act like them or anything. That's Hoosier hospitality," Gregg added. Indiana is not about the RFRA "that wasn't even necessary" or any [other similar] social initiatives, Gregg said. Source: Banner-Graphic coverage of 2016 Indiana gubernatorial race Jun 14, 2015

John Gregg: 2012: No same-sex marriage; 2015: marriage & more for LGBT

Gov. Pence as an incumbent now has a track record to defend. That gives Gregg the opportunity to point out one of Pence's main vulnerabilities--his handling of the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which some considered to be a direct slap at lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Hoosiers.

Yet, on gay rights, Gregg's evolving opinion on the issue may become a challenge with more progressive members of the Democratic Party. In 2012, Gregg opposed same-sex marriage. But this summer, not only did he express support for the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage across the country, he also is in favor of expanding Civil Rights protections for LGBT Hoosiers.

Source: Indy Star on 2016 Indiana gubernatorial race Aug 24, 2015

John Gregg: Protect LGBT rights; religious rights are already protected

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act was designed to keep local and state laws from "substantially burdening" the deeply-held religious principles of individuals, businesses or religious institutions.

Gregg doesn't see it that way. He feels the bill was a play to stir up the hardcore right-wing base. It painted the state in a negative light, something which could have economic repercussions for years to come. "We will never know the dollar loss that that has cost, and is costing and will cost us," he said. "A person that books acts at one of Indiana's largest public universities, told me that groups did not want to come to Indiana because we did not have an LGBT statute."

Both sides of the issue deserve to be heard, Gregg said, but the First Amendment gives all the right and freedom to worship as they choose, and the extra legislation was unnecessary.

Gregg says the only social issue-related bill he wouldn't veto was adding protections for the LGBT community to a civil rights statute.

Source: Kokomo Tribune on 2016 Indiana Gubernatorial race Sep 24, 2015

John Gregg: Sexual orientation & gender identity are civil rights issues

Two social issues he is pushing. The first is full repeal of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. When I suggested that the last thing Indiana needs is Round 2 of RFRA, Gregg insisted that there's strong support for repeal around the state. The second social issue that Gregg plans to champion is the addition of sexual orientation and gender identity to the state's civil rights law. Source: Indianapolis Star on 2016 Indiana Gubernatorial race May 13, 2015

John Gregg: Supports the legality of gay marriage in Indiana

He fully sup-ports re-peal-ing RFRA, the re-li-gious free-dom bill. In In-di-ana the law of the land is to al-low same-sex mar-riage, and he sup-ports that, and as gov-ernor he's not go-ing to fo-cus on so-cial is-sues, he's mov-ing ahead. Source: National Journal on 2016 Indiana Gubernatorial race Dec 20, 2015

John Gregg: Supports equal pay for equal work

In the last campaign, we talked about leveling the playing field and eliminating the pay gap. However, since that time, Governor Pence has done nothing and the problem has gotten worse. As governor, this will be a priority in my administration. I will lead by example and will work with the public, private and non-profit sectors to take this disparity head on. Source: 2016 Indiana Governor campaign website GreggForGovernor.com Jan 12, 2016

John Gregg: Civil rights statute should support sexual orientation

Mike Pence has proven he's just an officeholder, not a leader. On issue after issue critical to the state of Indiana, he passes the buck. His refusal to take a stand for equality is unconscionable given the fact that he created this mess, which continues to damage Indiana's economy and reputation. I encourage Governor Pence to join me in supporting updating our civil rights statute to include sexual orientation and gender identity so Indiana can begin to move forward again. Source: 2016 Indiana Governor campaign website GreggForGovernor.com Jan 12, 2016

Mike Braun: Traditional marriage should be between a man & a woman

Gay Issues: Support gay marriage? Allow business owners not to serve gay customers on religious grounds?

Braun: Traditional marriage should be between a man & a woman. Backed Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act, letting businesses deny services to gays.

Donnelly: Supports gay marriage after earlier opposition. "One of the best things we can do is to try & make everyone feel welcome."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Indiana Senate race Nov 1, 2018

Mike Pence: Listen to the merits of debate on LGBT rights

Civil rights expansion: This is the elephant on the table. All sides are digging in. This creates a situation where either Gov. Pence, Speaker Brian Bosma or Senate President David Long will have to take the lead. Pence is playing his cards close to the vest. He has repeatedly said that he will listen to the "merits" of the coming, noisy debate as Freedom Indiana and the Indiana Pastors Alliance will hold dueling demonstrations during legislative Organization Day in November.

This is a policy and political gauntlet for Gov. Pence. He will have to be adroit and communicate well, or he faces the prospect of being a one-term governor. It's time for statewide non-discrimination protections for LGBT Hoosiers!

Source: Kokomo Perspective on 2016 Indiana Gubernatorial race Oct 24, 2015

Mike Pence: Religious Freedom Act is not about LGBT discrimination

The most hot-button issue of all during the 2015 General Assembly, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, was signed in March. Proponents of the bill said it was designed to keep local and state laws from "substantially burdening" the deeply-held religious principles of individuals, businesses or religious institutions. Those against the bill felt it opened a Pandora's box for discrimination against minorities, especially the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered) community.

"This bill is not about discrimination, and if I thought it legalized discrimination in any way in Indiana, I would have vetoed it," Pence said at the time. "In fact, it does not even apply to disputes between private parties unless government action is involved. For more than 20 years, the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act has never undermined our nation's anti-discrimination laws, and it will not in Indiana."

Source: Kokomo Tribune on Indiana Voting Records for bill SB101 Sep 24, 2015

Mike Pence: Civil rights must be balanced with religious freedom

Should full civil rights protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity be extended? No one should be harassed or mistreated because of who they are, who they love, or what they believe. But Hoosiers also cherish faith and the freedom to live out their faith and I will not support any bill that diminishes the religious freedom of Hoosiers or that interferes with the Constitutional rights of our citizens to live out their beliefs in worship, service or work. Source: 2016 State of the State speech to Indiana legislature Jan 12, 2016

Mike Pence: Pro-business environment better for wages than equal pay

Hoosier women earn about 73 cents for every dollar men make for the same work, and the poverty rate for women and girls in Indiana is nearly 17 percent. Mike Pence says he believes the way to address income disparity is to promote economic growth. "Creating an environment that encourages more investment, more job opportunities for Hoosiers is the best pathway forward toward increasing personal income for men and women in Indiana," he says. Source: Howey politics on 2016 Indiana gubernatorial race Jul 15, 2016

Mike Pence: Opposes pay equity; close wage gap by growing economy

Pence said he wanted women to make every bit as much as men, and said the way to close Indiana's wage gap was through growing the economy. In this legislative session, House Democrats offered an amendment creating a commission to study pay disparity, but it was blocked by Republicans. Governor Mike Pence says he believes the way to address income disparity is to promote economic growth: "Creating an environment that encourages more investment, more job opportunities for Hoosiers is the best pathway forward toward increasing personal income for men and women in Indiana," he says. [Howey Politics, 4/9/2014]

July 2007: Voted Against H.R. 2831, the "Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007." [H.R. 2831, Vote 768, 7/31/07]
Jan. 2009: Voted Against S. 181, the "Fair Pay Act of 2009." [S. 181, Vote 37, 1/27/09]
Jan. 2009: Voted Against H.R. 12, the "Paycheck Fairness Act Of 2009." [H.R. 12, Vote 8, 1/9/09]

Source: INDems.org & Howey politics: 2016 Indiana gubernatorial race Apr 15, 2016

Mitch Daniels: No same-sex marriage nor civil unions

Q: Should Indiana recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?

A: No.

Q: Should same-sex couples be allowed to marry?

A: No.

Q: Should Indiana provide state-level spousal rights to same-sex couples?

A: No.

Source: Indiana Gubernatorial Election 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

Mitch Daniels: No affirmative action in public college admissions

Q: Should the state government consider race and gender in state government contracting and hiring decisions?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support affirmative action in public college admissions?

A: No.

Source: Indiana Gubernatorial Election 2008 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2008

Woody Myers: Fought to keep teenage boy with AIDS in school after banning

Woody made history when appointed as Indiana's youngest State Health Commissioner. Dr. Myers worked every day to improve maternal and child health, chronic disease control, childhood immunization, and preventive healthcare services. Woody helped make Indiana a leader in AIDS education and gained national recognition when he fought to keep Ryan White--a teenage boy with AIDS--in school when his school district banned him from attending classes following his diagnosis. Source: 2020 Indiana gubernatorial campaign website DrWoodyMyers.com Dec 31, 2019

Marc Carmichael: Believes racism is still a cancer on the United States

Is concerned about the white nationalism and antisemitism growing in our country thanks to extremists' ugly rhetoric and is someone who believes racism is still a cancer on the United States. Source: 2024 Indiana Senate campaign website MarcForIndiana.com Sep 11, 2023

Marc Carmichael: Stand up for LGBTQ youth being used as political pawns

Will stand up for the LGBTQ youth who are being used as political pawns by mean-spirited, calculating Republicans who needed a new social wedge issue after Roe v Wade was overturned by the Republican Supreme Court majority. These vulnerable children deserve our help, not scorn, and their healthcare decisions should be left up to their families and compassionate, qualified doctors, not political opportunists. Source: 2024 Indiana Senate campaign website MarcForIndiana.com Sep 11, 2023

Jennifer McCormick: Schools taking public money shouldn't exclude LGBT students

On Monday--the same day she announced she would not run for re-election in 2020--McCormick made the voucher question part of her 2019 legislative agenda. She said it was "a problem" that schools that accepted public money have policies the exclude LGBT students or staff. Source: Journal & Courier on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Oct 5, 2018

Mike Braun: Enforce Court decision ending college affirmative action

On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court struck a blow against institutionally-driven racism in the United States. In Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College, the Supreme Court found [that colleges with affirmative action admissions] were impermissibly discriminating against certain applicants based exclusively on their race.

While the Court took a big step forward in eliminating racial discrimination in admissions, more work remains to be done. In his remarks in the wake of the landmark decision, President Biden proposed "a new standard, where colleges take into account the adversity a student has overcome, including racial discrimination that individuals have faced in their own lives."

We call upon the Biden administration to embrace the Court's holdings: racial discrimination [does not] have any place in schooling. The American people deserve no less than an Executive Branch committed to enforcing the law equally to all people without concern for their race.

Source: Ernst.Senate.Gov press release: for 2024 Indiana Senate race Sep 12, 2023

Mike Braun: There only two genders; no biological males in girls' sports

We need to protect our children by making sure divisive theories like CRT or discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity have no place in our public schools. Indiana state laws should reinforce the simple truth that there are only two genders, biological males should not be allowed to compete in girls' sports, and "gender affirming care" should be banned for minors. Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website MikeBraunForIndiana Oct 24, 2023

Mike Braun: Religious Freedom Act is not about LGBT discrimination

Legislative Summary:�Passed House 63-31-5 on Mar/23/2015; State Rep. Mike Braun voted YES; Passed Senate 40-8-2 on Mar/24.

Source: Kokomo Tribune on Indiana Voting Records for bill SB101 Mar 24, 2015

Curtis Hill: Will end radical transgender athletic policies

As attorney general, Curtis stood up to Indianapolis bureaucrats and prohibited the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles from allowing Hoosiers to choose any gender besides male or female on their driver's license. Curtis will end radical transgender athletic policies that allow men to compete in women's sports and fight to keep biological men out of women's bathrooms and locker rooms. Source: 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial campaign website CurtisHill.com Dec 19, 2023

Jennifer McCormick: Support for women and minority-owned businesses

We will identify and reduce administrative barriers to business formation while increasing access to goal support and resources for women and minority-owned businesses, fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.

We will foster economic inclusivity by promoting equality in the workforce, business ownership, and procurement practices, ensuring that all Hoosiers have equal access to economic opportunities and prosperity.

Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website McCormickForGov.com Jun 10, 2024

Valerie McCray: End discrimination based on race and gender

Human rights are non-negotiable. We need policy to change the structures that discriminate against Americans due to their race, gender, socio-economic status etc.

[I intend to be] accessible to ALL constituents, regardless of disability, race, or gender identification. Regardless of political affiliation, intellectual ability, language preference, or even access to Internet. Every constituent deserves opportunity and has the right to be heard. A U.S. Senator should provide services and assist constituents with navigating issues with federal agencies. It isn't enough to simply hear what people have to say. It is the responsibility of a U.S. Senator to swiftly respond to their concerns; not just with words, but with relentless ACTION.

Source: Candidate Connection on 2024 Indiana Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Suzanne Crouch: Fight racism, but also fight reverse racism

Q: EQUALITY: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?

A: Racism has no place in Indiana, the laws will be enforced, and I will not tolerate mistreatment or crimes based on prejudice. The current movement in the country to focus on race by widespread accusations of racism is being done to divide us into groups. This movement contradicts our values and results in reverse racism. I believe in meritocracy with equal opportunity for all. I will not support any program or policy that seeks to guarantee equality of outcomes or quotas.

Q: I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist?

A: Strongly Disagree

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Aug 8, 2024

Valerie McCray: Will fight against efforts to revoke marriage equality

All Americans should have the right to be themselves and marry who they want without the government stepping in to tell them if they can or not. I will proudly fight against measures that aim to criminalize and punish members of the LGBTQIA+ community. I will support the right for all Americans to marry who they want regardless of their gender and will fight against efforts to revoke marriage equality. I will fight against bills that aim to discriminate against members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Source: 2024 Indiana Senate campaign website ValerieMcCray.com Sep 30, 2024

Jim Banks: Opposes critical race theory and liberal propaganda

Education: Banks opposes critical race theory and "liberal propaganda" being taught in schools. He also seeks to "protect girls' sports," messaging conservatives use to object to transgender children participating in sports. Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Senate race Sep 17, 2024

Eric Doden: Life skills for parents; no LGBTQ issues in schools

Q: The 2023 legislative session dealt with culture war topics such as LGBTQ issues and school library books. Where do you stand on those issues?

A: What I've heard from parents across the state as I've traveled is, they want transparency about what's being taught, and they want accountability, and they want to be involved and engaged. Teachers sort of teach the basics, the parents want to be able to teach the life skills and some of the moral code. To me, part of this is common sense. There's age-appropriate material. Let's just use a little common sense and make sure that we have age-appropriate material for kids as they're getting educated. As governor, my role is just to be a part of that conversation. I have a certain responsibility to make sure that the trains run on time and that we operate things well and that we have really talented agency heads that are creating efficiencies and effective government that serve people, and that's going to be my primary focus.

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Jan 10, 2024

Suzanne Crouch: Push back against the woke culture

Q: The 2023 legislative session dealt with culture war topics such as LGBTQ issues and school library books. Where do you stand on those issues?

A: I think Indiana's quite honestly not in a bad place. I think we're in a good place. We are culturally a conservative state. And I think, if anything, we need to look at how we can push back against the woke culture that's trying to take control and make decisions on our lives that maybe we aren't always in agreement to and kind of pushes back against who we are as Hoosiers. The General Assembly passing the bill to allow fairness in sports and then overriding the governor's veto was the right decision to make. People want freedom to live their lives as they want to live them. And when we have a government and we have corporations and we have big business and other groups telling us how we can't live our lives or how we should live our lives, I think that's when people push back.

Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Jan 10, 2024

Brian Bosma: Amend state constitution: marriage is one man, one woman

SJ7: Provides that marriage in Indiana consists only of the union of one man and one woman.

Pew Research summary April 1, 2008: Opponents are looking to the November 2008 election, seeking to have constitutional gay-marriage bans placed on the ballot in as many as 10 states, including Arizona and Indiana.

Indianapolis Star summary Oct. 30, 2013: When Mitch Daniels was governor, he backed the amendment, although he didn't lobby for it. "As a believer in traditional marriage and a supporter of the law we have on the books now, I agree with the idea of protecting it against some creative judicial ruling in the future," Daniels said in 2007.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Feb/21/05 Senate 42-8-0; passed House 76-23-1 on Mar/22/05; state Rep. Brian Bosma voted YES.

Source: Pew Research on Indiana voting record SJ7 Mar 22, 2005

Mark Messmer: Religious Freedom Act is not about LGBT discrimination

Legislative Summary:�Passed House 63-31-5 on Mar/23/2015; Passed Senate 40-8-2 on Mar/24; Sen. Messmer co-authored and voted YES.

Source: Kokomo Tribune on Indiana Voting Records for bill SB101 Mar 24, 2015

Marlin Stutzman: Amend state constitution: marriage is one man, one woman

SJ7: Provides that marriage in Indiana consists only of the union of one man and one woman.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Feb/21/05 Senate 42-8-0; passed House 76-23-1 on Mar/22/05; state Rep. Marlin Stutzman voted YES.

Source: Pew Research on Indiana voting record SJ7 Mar 22, 2005

Mitch Daniels: 0

2007: protect marriage with constitutional amendment SJ7: Provides that marriage in Indiana consists only of the union of one man and one woman.

Pew Research summary April 1, 2008: Opponents are looking to the November 2008 election, seeking to have constitutional gay-marriage bans placed traditional marriage and a supporter of the law we have on the books now, I agree with the idea of protecting it against some creative judicial ruling in the future," Daniels said in 2007.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Feb/21/05 Senate 42-8-0; passed House 76-23-1 on Mar/22/05.

Source: Indianapolis Star on Indiana voting record SJ7 Oct 30, 2013

Mike Braun: Urged NCAA to ban transgender athletes from women's sports

22 U.S. Senators sent a letter to NCAA President Charlie Baker urging him to update its student-athlete policy to ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports. The senators wrote: "Amid the Biden-Harris administration's unprecedented assault on Title IX, we write to urge the National Collegiate Athletic Association to update your student-athlete participation policy to require that only biologically female students participate in women's sports."

The NCAA updated its policy in 2022 on transgender athletes, aligning itself with Olympic standard. The NCAA requires transgender athletes to give documentation that meets sports standards for testosterone levels at three points in time:

Prior to any competition during the regular season;
Prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship event; and
Prior to any competition in the non-championship segment.

A CNN report estimates there are fewer than 40 transgender athletes among more than 500,000 athletes. Source: CBS-2-Iowa's Tyler Downey on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race Aug 8, 2024

The above quotations are from State of Indiana Politicians: Archives. Click here for definitions & background information on Civil Rights. Click here for other issues (main summary page).
*2024 Presidential contenders on Civil Rights:*
	*Candidates for President & Vice-President:* V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA) Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA) Chase Oliver(L-GA) Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA) Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL) Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH) Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN) Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)	*2024 presidential primary contenders:* Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE) N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R) N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R) Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R) S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R) Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R) Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN) U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN) Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH) S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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