Governor joins push for Indiana hate crime law

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (WAVE) – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb is now joining the call to pass a hate crime law in the Hoosier state.

The move comes just days after anti-Semitic graffiti was spray painted on a synagogue in Carmel. The vandalism has united the Carmel community and much of the state who are urging lawmakers to pass a bill against hate crimes.

State Representative Ed Clere (District 72/New Albany) says the debate over including LGBT protections often is why the bill fails, but Clere says the time has come to pass a law that protects everyone.

“But I hope the growing need for hate crimes legislation will overcome the opposition and allow us to move forward,” Clere said. “It’s important and it’s time.”