Indiana Competes' Peter Hanscom, left, and Chris Paulsen, of Freedom Indiana, speak to reporters about their work with local governments to enact anti-discrimination ordances protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Hoosiers. Staff photo by Dan Carden
INDIANAPOLIS — The two coalitions that led the unsuccessful effort to enact a state prohibition on sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination now are working to help communities interested in adopting local human rights ordinances.
Leaders of Indiana Competes and Freedom Indiana, two organizations supported by hundreds of Hoosier businesses and civic groups, said Tuesday their work is not over just because protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Hoosiers failed to pass the Republican-controlled General Assembly this session.
"It's very important for us to keep the conversation going," said Peter Hanscom, Indiana Competes director. "Moving forward, the momentum is on our side on this issue. Public perception is on our side."
Already this week Kokomo has joined the 19 localities, including Hammond and Michigan City, that prohibit LGBT discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations under most circumstances.
The Munster Town Council is set to vote April 18 on adopting its proposed LGBT anti-discrimination ordinance.
Chris Paulsen, campaign manager for Freedom Indiana, said since the Legislature adjourned last week she's been contacted by many local officials looking for advice on how to begin the process of enacting a civil rights statute.
"You won't see us out front, but we are available," Paulsen said. "We'd like it to be a local effort. We want people in the community to be heard."
Both Paulsen and Hansen said when LGBT individuals talk to their neighbors about discrimination they personally have experienced in their communities, that is the most effective way to show the need for civil rights protections.
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