Governor Pence, Repeal This Divisive Legislation
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” With those words, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. established that we are all responsible for ensuring that justice is fairly applied for all Americans. As Hoosiers, we have a responsibility to make sure that justice is provided in every corner in our state and to each of those who call Indiana our home.
Unfortunately, the actions of the majority in the General Assembly and Governor Pence have put Indiana on the map — -as a place that is insensitive to the rich diversity of our state and our nation. Their actions to pass legislation that has the potential to discriminate has garnered national attention that we don’t need, and enraged those who planned to bring business or tourists to our state.
This is not about “religious freedom”. It is about absolute majorities in the Indiana House and Senate and a Governor who is doing everything possible to show national conservatives that he has presidential timber.
Get Baron Hill’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
For some in politics, saying that you are wrong is tough. It means admitting a mistake. It means saying that you are sorry to folks that you don’t particularly like. Governor Pence, it is time to admit that you, your advisors and those who voted for the bill are wrong. It is time to repeal this bill and to put this disgraceful chapter behind us. The best way to clarify this bill is to repeal the legislation and to move on.
Governor, you need to realize how terrible this legislation is for Indiana. In a few days, the eyes of the nation will be on us as we host the NCAA Championships. As a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, I get truly excited to see college athletes compete for the national championship, especially when Indiana is the host. Governor, just think how much Indiana will be in a negative spotlight as you and others try to explain your actions. There is no explanation nor clarification. Repeal the bill Governor.
This is also the weekend when America lost a leader — on April 4th, Dr. King was killed in Memphis as a result of hatred. His death marked not the end of a dream but its beginning. Today, we are a better nation because of Dr. King and because of his supporters of all races, all faiths and all status. His and our efforts to fight discrimination contrast with those of you, Governor, who cannot answer a question on national television about whether this “religious freedom” bill discriminates. Governor, repeal this divisive legislation.
Finally and most importantly, this is Passover and Easter weekend. It is a time of reflection on our deepest thoughts about our respective religions or our beliefs. It is a time of celebration, togetherness and devotion to our inner beliefs and principles. Governor, I served with you in Congress and know that you have strong beliefs. I also have strong personal beliefs. The difference? I don’t want to impose my beliefs on others. Nor should you Governor. Repeal the legislation.
I know what discrimination means. I have seen it and combatted it in my life. It is hurtful, filled with malice and has absolutely no place in our society. It also has no reason to be sanctioned by our state government. Governor Pence, it is time that you realize that you are Governor of all of the people of Indiana — -not just those who agree with your extreme right agenda. Governor, repeal the bill and let’s remove any lasting vestiges of discrimination from our state. We deserve better from you. Governor, don’t clarify — -repeal the bill.
