In response to concerns about the state's new religious freedom law (RFRA), Vigo County Commissioners today passed a human rights resolution.
The intent is to assure those within the county's jurisdiction that they "shall have equal access to public services and shall be protected in the enjoyment of civil rights, and to promote mutual understanding and respect among all who live and work within the county," according to the resolution.
It states that prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination "threaten the rights and proper privileges of the county's inhabitants and menace the institutions and the foundation of a free and democratic society; and
"That behavior which denies equal treatment to any individual because of his/her race, color, sex, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status or source of income undermines civil order and deprives persons of the benefits of a free and open society.
"Nothing in this resolution shall be construed as supporting or advocating any particular lifestyle or religious view. To the contrary, it is the intention of this resolution that all persons be treated fairly and equally and it is the express intent of this resolution to guarantee to all of our citizens fair and equal treatment under the law."
In an interview, Commissioner Judy Anderson said with all the controversy related to RFRA, commissioners wanted to assure residents and take an affirmative stand. "We're not going to change our policies. We will continue to serve everybody in every capacity that is possible. We will not make any changes in the way we do business," she said.