Four Indiana cities are facing a lawsuit challenging LGBT protections in their human rights ordinances.
The complaint alleges the local laws in Bloomington, Columbus, Indianapolis and Carmel violate the Religious Freedom Restoration Act lawmakers passed last year.
Columbus Mayor Jim Lienhoop says the city stands behind its human rights ordinance.
“The people that are suing us, they didn’t tell us, they told the newspaper, so I think it gives you a little bit of insight of what their motives are, but nonetheless, we intend to defend ourselves,” Lienhoop says.
In a statement, Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton said, “Our community will not waver in our support for equal opportunity and diversity because of a meritless lawsuit filed against the City of Bloomington by plaintiffs with no apparent ties to, or business in, our City, plaintiffs whose central concern seems to be disappointment with the state legislative fix to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and not with anything Bloomington has done or might do.”
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of the Indiana Family Institute, Indiana Family Action and the American Family Association of Indiana.
