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| Jim Merritt |
Republicans march in the Indy Pride Parade all the time, but Merritt’s problem, according to many LGBTQ+ community members (myself included) was his voting record in the Indiana Senate. Merritt's answer to that...say he's evolved.
Merritt voted for the marriage amendment to the Indiana Constitution and also was a backer of the divisive RFRA legislation. Merritt also actively campaigned against the Indiana Youth Group license plate. IYG serves young LGBTQ+ people. (Full disclosure, I am a donor to this organization.)
Merritt, who earlier in the campaign reportedly said he stood behind every vote he’s cast in the Senate, disavowed his RFRA vote in a news conference telling assembled reporters that he apparently misunderstood the consequences of the legislation. Gotcha Jim. I guess you likely didn’t pay any attention to any of the news coverage around the legislation at the time.
At his presser, Merritt announced that if he’s elected Mayor that he will work with the General Assembly on a tougher hate crimes law and actively seek out LGBTQ+ individuals for city posts. He also said he’d create a “Diversity Department” in the city as well as be an advocate for LGBTQ+ protections in employment, public accommodations, and housing.
Great Jim.
Taking him at face value on his evolution which...cough cough...I find awfully sudden...where have you been for 29 years on these issues? Maybe when you’re back being a Senator in the General Assembly session next year you can deliver on these protections and a tougher hate crimes law. You certainly haven’t done squat in nearly three decades!
Jimmy come lately.
Merritt, who earlier in the campaign reportedly said he stood behind every vote he’s cast in the Senate, disavowed his RFRA vote in a news conference telling assembled reporters that he apparently misunderstood the consequences of the legislation. Gotcha Jim. I guess you likely didn’t pay any attention to any of the news coverage around the legislation at the time.
At his presser, Merritt announced that if he’s elected Mayor that he will work with the General Assembly on a tougher hate crimes law and actively seek out LGBTQ+ individuals for city posts. He also said he’d create a “Diversity Department” in the city as well as be an advocate for LGBTQ+ protections in employment, public accommodations, and housing.
Great Jim.
Taking him at face value on his evolution which...cough cough...I find awfully sudden...where have you been for 29 years on these issues? Maybe when you’re back being a Senator in the General Assembly session next year you can deliver on these protections and a tougher hate crimes law. You certainly haven’t done squat in nearly three decades!
Jimmy come lately.