Bias Crimes Action Alert: Senate Bill 12

The Bias Crimes bill (Senate Bill 12) has now moved to the Indiana House of Representatives.  Although the Senate stripped the bill almost entirely (scroll down for details of what happened), we are committed to fighting every day until the end of the session to make the case that a real and effective Bias Crimes statute MUST have the language that has been removed, including (1) the list of enumerated characteristics, (2) reporting requirements, and (3) training for law enforcement

In order to be successful, we need to generate thousands of phone calls and points of contact with elected officials over the next 10 days!

MAKE 3 PHONE CALLS NOW!

1. Call the House Speaker Brian Bosma (317-232-9677)
2. Call the House Bill Sponsor Representative Greg Steuerwald (317-232-9833) 
3. Call or email YOUR Representative (800-382-9842; or look up their email here).

CALL SCRIPT: "Hello, my name is ______, and I'm calling to leave an important message for _______. I'm asking that Senate Bill 12, the Bias Crimes bill, be amended to include the list of enumerated characteristics. Only by having this list will Indiana be passing a real Bias Crimes law. As a member of Indiana’s Jewish Community, I know that antisemitism and hate crimes are on the rise. I need to know that the State of Indiana recognizes this alarming trend too. Indiana must pass a strong bill that’s consistent with the vast majority of other states who have bias crimes laws on their books. Thank you.

After making these calls, then:

• PLAN TO ATTEND A "THIRD HOUSE MEETING" in your community.  Third House meetings (town halls) are a great way to talk to your legislators and ask them questions about issues and their votes on bills.  The more people we have attending Third House Meetings talking about Bias Crimes, the better!  Let your legislator know that the current format of the bill is unacceptable. 
• SHARE THIS PAGE or copy & paste these action items.  We each have different networks. We are asking each and every one of us (yes, you!) to personally reach out to your friends, neighbors, clubs, organizations, boards of directors and encourage them to take action too!
• FILL OUT THIS QUICK FORM to let us know you've made the calls. We need to be able to tell House leaders that we know how many calls were made!  Please, do this last step!

​Help us create an overwhelming groundswell of support that our legislators won't be able to ignore.