INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Indiana Technology & Innovation Association (ITIA) today joined the bipartisan Indiana Competes coalition, which includes several local and regional Chambers of Commerce, to advocate for passage of a bias crimes law in Indiana.

Adopting a bias crimes law is part of ITIA’s 2019 policy agenda, which the association recently released. Indiana is currently one of only five states without a bias crimes law.

A majority of ITIA members who participated in a policy agenda survey expressed the need for a bias crimes law that specifically includes sexual orientation and gender identity. Governor Eric Holcomb has also advocated for legislation that includes such language.

“Indiana’s technology industry is quickly growing but there aren’t enough skilled workers to fill the jobs we’re creating. We need to remove barriers to attracting tech talent to our state and passing a bias crimes law with an enumerated list of characteristics is an important step to send the message that Indiana is a welcoming, forward-looking state,” said John McDonald, ITIA Board Member and Policy Committee Co-Chair. “This will help attract technology companies and talent to Indiana and solidify the state’s reputation as a great place to live, work and innovate. ITIA is proud to join Indiana Competes to amplify this message.”

ITIA supports a clear and specific bias crimes law that enhances penalties for criminals who target victims based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability.