All 5 living mayors of Indianapolis (4R, 1D) co-sign letter against RFRA

[Newsjock]

http://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/readers/2015/03/31/fallout-rfra-concerning/70744904/

We, the five living mayors of Indianapolis, are distressed and very concerned by the fallout from the enactment of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The local, national and international response threatens to undo many of the efforts we have made, going back to 1967, to build an inclusive, caring, and hospitable city.

Indianapolis is a city with a first-class reputation as a great place to live, as an extraordinary host for major events and major league sports teams, and as a winner in the competition to attract new economic development opportunities. Ours is a city that cares about the common good and promotes respect for all citizens, and a city that has a vibrant Downtown with successful venues for all kinds of sporting, religious, entertainment and educational events and conventions. Our state's capital city is known for a spirit of partnership and determination to display an open hand to peoples of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientation and religious beliefs.

On the cornerstone of the old City Hall Downtown is an inscription from the Bible that says we are citizens of "no mean city." Which is to say, we are citizens of an exceptional city — one that values fairness, civility and equal opportunity—not one that is seen as mean-spirited and accepting of discriminatory practices.

We ask that national associations and corporations that do business, or would do business, in our city recognize that Indianapolis has a history of ordinances and executive orders protecting tolerance and preventing discrimination whether in terms of prayer, employment, provision of goods and services, or public accommodation, and explicitly extending to sexual orientation and gender identity.

We call upon the state legislature to amend this bill, well-intentioned by its sponsors but damaging to the city and state in its unintended consequences, and clarify that the existing laws and wishes of our community will be fulfilled.

Richard Lugar, Mayor, 1968-1976
William H. Hudnut III, Mayor, 1976-1992
Stephen Goldsmith, Mayor, 1992-2000
Bart Peterson, Mayor, 2000-2008
Greg Ballard, Mayor, 2008-present

[Thinkingabout]

1. I hope some are writing to their representatives. Pence should not be on the line alone.

They have hurt their state and they would just as easily repeal the law and show they are doing the right thing. I would doubt they could say they are doing what the people want.

[dhill926]

2. city has really had some good mayors...

the republicans ones weren't crazy, and loved Mayor Bart when I lived there...

[ND-Dem]

3. "well-intentioned by its sponsors" = uh-huh.

[Brother Buzz]

5. I believe that's a bit of Sun Tzu's The Art of War in play

Do not press an enemy that is cornered.

[ND-Dem]

6. yes, i assumed so. just noting it.

[salin]

4. Not surprised by any save Goldsmith.... he went on to serve W's Faith Based Intiatives Office

so while I am least familiar with him, my impression was that he was part of the religious right ascendency.

All republicans, save Bart Peterson (my personal fav. of the group.) All committed to the change of Indianapolis from a sleepy midwestern City to a cultural hot spot - something that it took 20-30 years to achieve. Not that all is great in Indy - but it is a far more cosmopolitan city than the "Indianoplace" that I knew (not as a resident) as a child.