INDIANAPOLIS -- A Democratic state lawmaker wants stronger protections for victims of crimes who are targeted because of the way they look, who they love or what they believe.
Indiana is one of five states that doesn't have a hate crimes law. A state senator is now proposing an automatic increase in the penalty for a crime like battery or vandalism if a victim is targeted because of a factor like race, sex, gender identity or religion.
State Senator Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) says he plans to introduce a bill to do just that. He's also proposing new training to help police recognize a hate crime.
"The fact that a person is targeted based on who they are is a little bit more heinous than if there's a grudge or a debt owed," Taylor said. "In the state of Indiana, I think we need to recognize that."
The Indiana Senate approved a similar measure to toughen the penalties for hate crimes earlier this year, but the House didn't take a vote.
