Leaders: Be consistent

I am confident that a majority of Indiana citizens share my appreciation for the bold leadership and compassion displayed by our business community, universities and colleges, clergy, chambers of commerce, mayors and many others who have publicly joined forces to defeat Indiana House Joint Resolution 6. These individuals and entities have joined forces to protect our family members, neighbors, employees, community volunteers and taxpayers from being discriminated against due to their sexual preferences. Given Indiana’s spotty history of past discrimination, this is quite refreshing.

There is no need for me to repeat the laundry list of solid arguments against the passage of HJR6. Reputable community leaders have communicated the consequences of this bill’s passage based upon their many years of business and civic experiences.

My letter concerns recent comments from our Statehouse leadership. House Speaker Bosma explains, “I don’t think that one person, one university president, or one person in the board room of a corporation should make this decision.” Adds Governor Pence, “I think it’s important that we let Hoosiers decide.”

Assuming we agree with these arguments, why do we not allow Hoosiers decide on other bills that are of importance?

During my lifetime, there has been a debate concerning Sunday sales of alcohol. Speaker Bosma, it is going nowhere because a select group of people in a boardroom and their lobbyists have stifled the debate. Gov. Pence, why do we not let Hoosiers decide?

There is a needed Statehouse push to raise the standards of day care oversight; however, there is a move to exempt day care centers run by religious organizations. If our children’s safety is that important, why are we exempting anyone? Speaker Bosma, the exemption request comes from a select group of people in a boardroom and their lobbyists. Gov. Pence, why do we not let Hoosiers decide?

The economic and social consequence of teenage pregnancies continue to plague many states, including Indiana. Despite impartial evidence to the contrary, Indiana continues to legislate “the world is flat thinking” with abstinence-only education. Speaker Bosma, abstinence only education is the wish of a select group of people in a boardroom and their lobbyists. Gov. Pence, why do we not let Hoosiers decide?

Let’s make the rules the same for all issues, not just the ones pushed by a small, vocal minority.
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Jay Goad, Franklin