INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted last week to expand the state’s civil rights law to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes.
Though it does not have any legislative power to change the law, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors represents more than 100 business executives and civic leaders in the state, according to an Indiana Chamber of Commerce press release.
The directors voted at the chamber’s annual fall board meeting, which is scheduled to define the chamber’s public policy positions before the General Assembly and Congress discuss and vote on policy.
“We believe this expansion is a necessary action for the General Assembly to take,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar in the release. “After the negative perception of our state generated by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act in the spring, we need to get this right in order to secure the reputation of Indiana as a hospitable and welcoming place.”
The Chamber of Commerce’s website states that the organizations mission is to cultivate a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity.
“The time has come for Indiana to expand protections against potential discrimination,” Brinegar said in the release. “This action will increase the state’s future business competitiveness in the recruitment, attraction and retention of talent, as well as enhance respect for all employers and employees. We encourage our state leaders to work together to take this next critical step.”
Suzanne Grossman
