Hate crimes bills of the last few sessions included the phrase "gender identity" on the list of protected characteristics.

Indiana is one of five states without a hate crimes law. After a Carmel synagogue was vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti this summer, the push to pass one was re-energized. But a hate crimes law may not help police or prosecutors.

A decades-long debate over whether Indiana should have an explicit hate crimes law is no closer to a resolution.

The college presidents said they wanted Indiana to be one of 46 states with hate crimes legislation, not one of five states without it.

Religious conservatives who’ve long opposed a hate crimes law say Holcomb’s support won’t make a difference. And they warned the Republican governor that he’s not as popular as he thinks.

Groups worry hate crimes are underreported in the state, and call for hate crimes legislation.

Bosma says judges can already consider a criminal’s motivation during sentencing. But he says the state needs a specific hate crimes bill.

Senator Greg Taylor says recent incidents – including vandalized churches – underline the need for such a bill, which he’ll author this session.

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