Re: Legislation Prohibiting Discrimination

Dear Senators and Representatives:

We are a diverse coalition of clergy and religious professionals from across the state of Indiana. Although we come from many different faith traditions, we are united by our concern that discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people is not only legal in Indiana, but all too common.

The Declaration of Independence proclaims that all people are created equal and entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution affirms the same fundamental principle. In America, everyone is to be treated the same in the public sphere.

That people can still be fired or denied housing or public accommodations in Indiana solely because of sexual orientation or gender identity is simply un-American. It is also contrary to our faith.

Each of our faith traditions teaches that we must respect the inherent dignity of every human being. Each of our traditions also places great emphasis on the importance of justice. At its most basic level, justice requires that the civil rights of all people, even those with whom we may disagree, must be protected. On this, we are united — as are the citizens of Indiana.

A recent poll conducted by the Indiana University Center for Survey Research showed that 89% of all Hoosiers believe that gays and lesbians should be treated equally on the job. The time has come for our legislators to affirm this basic moral principle.

Therefore, we the undersigned clergy and religious professionals call for prompt enactment of legislation that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations.

Respectfully submitted,