The bill would allow the courts to impose harsher sentences for crimes motivated by hate.

The legislation would create an automatic enhancement - making misdemeanors felonies and raising each felony one level.

Indiana is one of five states without a hate crimes law on the books.

The rejected bill was tabled nearly a week before vandals painted vulgar graffiti on a wall of the Islamic Society of North America in Plainfield. It would allow for tougher sentences by taking into account a victim's perceived or actual race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, disability, national origin, ancestry or sexual orientation.

Security cameras show three people were responsible for the vulgar anti-Muslim phrases spray painted on a wall.

Legislation to create an Indiana hate-crime law is expected to die in the House because it won't get a committee hearing.

Indiana is one of only five states without a hate crimes law. Legislation unanimously approved Tuesday by a Senate committee would change that.

Indiana is among only five states without a hate crime law.