The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night passed a special ordinance opposing the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
The vote was 24-4 with Republican council members Virginia Cain, Aaron Freeman, Jason Holliday and Jack Sandlin voting against it. Republican Will Gooden was absent.
“With this vote, the council has stated simply and clearly that the people of Indianapolis are against discrimination—no exceptions,” Council President Maggie Lewis said in a written statement.
Proposal 120 states the city’s opposition to the RFRA, and encourages the Indiana General Assembly to amend the civil rights section of the Indiana code to include sexual orientation and to uphold and protect local anti-discrimination ordinances.
“Indianapolis residents and visitors should feel confident that our city welcomes everyone. All the proof you need is to see all the groups opposing this state action. Business leaders, Indianapolis City-County Council, faith groups, advocates and community groups are working together in strong partnership to fight imposition of this discriminatory law,” Lewis said.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, who expressed opposition to the bill last week, on Monday issued an executive order requiring anyone who receives money from the city to abide by its human rights ordinance.
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