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

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.

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