Muncie to adopt anti-RFRA resolution

MUNCIE – In the wake of controversy over the potential for discrimination in Indiana's "religious freedom" law, the city of Muncie is likely to adopt a resolution in opposition to the new law.

Mayor Dennis Tyler on Tuesday told The Star Press he was working on the resolution with members of Muncie City Council, who could adopt it as early as their regular monthly meeting on Monday.

The resolution — as well as updates to the city's human rights ordinances — would take a stance against the state law that's prompted criticism from everyone from Apple to the NCAA over the potential to foster discrimination, particularly against gays, lesbians and transgender people.

Tyler told The Star Press that making the city's stance clear was "the right thing to do," but — as he said in articles last week — the city doesn't want to discourage anyone from moving here or working here.

"With the employers we have, with the educational institutions, we want to get the best and the brightest," Tyler said. "And I just want them to know they're welcome."

Although Tyler said refinements to the resolution were still possible, a copy obtained by The Star Press puts a fine point on its purpose.

"A special resolution of the Common Council of the city of Muncie, Indiana, in opposition to the Indiana General Assembly's passage of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, also known as Senate Enrolled Act 101," is the title of the resolution.

The resolution notes that the city is "committed to protect the rights of all citizens, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender identification, ethnicity, religion or creed."

The city resolution maintains that RFRA — which has been defended by Gov. Mike Pence but soundly criticized by Indiana business and tourism organizations as well as companies elsewhere that do business in Indiana — "makes Indiana less welcoming and less competitive in recruiting and retaining talented employees ... and major conventions and major employers may leave Muncie."

The resolution goes on to call RFRA "bad for business" and calls on the Legislature to include sexual orientation in the Civil Rights section of Indiana Code.

Tyler said his administration was already revising city human rights ordinances to add sexual orientation and gender identification as a protected class before the recent controversy, and "we moved that up to the front of the line."

Some Muncie businesses were quick to criticize RFRA last week, posting signs that they were "open to everyone." One of those businesses is Vera Mae's Bistro, a restaurant owned by partners Kent Shuff and Steve Fennimore.

"I'm very proud of the city for this resolution," Shuff said Tuesday. "It's very progressive for the mayor to do this."

City council might have to suspend its rules about two readings of new business to take action in Monday's meeting, Tyler said.

Contact Keith Roysdon at 765-213-5828 and follow him on Facebook and Twitter.