An Indiana Senate hatecrimes bill was stripped of protected groups Tuesday.
People targeted because of their perceived or actual gender identity, sexual orientation and race, among other traits, are not specifically protected under the amended version.
Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-32nd District, asked for 11 pages, 57 lines and four words to be taken off. Between those three, about 520 lines were struck from the bill.
Despite the problems, Gov. Eric Holcomb said he is still hopeful for future legislation and wants Indiana to have a hate crime bill.
“I will continue to fight for the right ultimate outcome for our state and citizens this year so we’re not right back here in the same place next year,” Holcomb said in a statement.
