Community leaders across Indiana are updating their ordinances to make sure people can't be discriminated against based on sexual orientation in response to the state's new Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Some Hoosiers feared the original version of the law that aims to protect religious liberties would nullify local non-discrimination ordinances. The legislature amended RFRA last week to say it cannot be used to discriminate against someone based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
But some cities are still strengthening their own laws. Terre Haute Human Relations Commission Executive Director Jeff Lorick is tasked with creating a proposal to update the city's 16-year-old ordinance. Officials are hoping to have the proposal completed by July.
"Terre Haute is in a unique position," he says. "As our ordinance stands, the Human Relations Commission office does not have enforcement power, or investigative power or subpoena power."
That means the city can request people accused of discrimination to rectify the problem but it can't force them to do so. Lorick says giving his commission that power will save the city money on potential lawsuits and make people in the community feel more valued.
The Muncie City Council added sexual identity to its existing civil rights ordinance Monday.
Martinsville Mayor Phil Deckard issued an executive order intended to prevent discrimination in city departments based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The Martinsville City Council is also considering passing a human rights ordinance.
The city currently has no form of non-discrimination legislation, and it could take months to get it passed.