Police Merger, Sexual Orientation Proposals Pass

INDIANAPOLIS -- The City-County Council on Monday passed two controversial measures -- one that will merge the Indianapolis Police Department and the Marion County Sheriff's Department, and one that will prohibit businesses with at least six employees from considering sexual orientation and gender identity in employment decisions.

The gay-rights measure also prohibits the refusal of housing and real estate opportunities for people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Religious groups and exclusively social groups that aren't organized for profit are exempted.

Advocates argued the gay rights measure extended policies already in place in many government offices and several large companies. Opponents argued that it sanctioned the gay lifestyle, which they believe is wrong.

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Council Approves Merger, Anti-Discrimination Measures

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The council had rejected similar measures on both the police merger and sexual orientation issues earlier this year. But on Monday, the council approved the police merger with a 16-13 vote, and the sexual-orientation measure passed 15-14.

When the merger proposal was defeated last month 15-14, council members Scott Keller and Lance Langsford voted against it. On Monday, both voted for it.

Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson proposed the merger 16 months ago. Supporters of the plan said that without a merger, neither of the departments would have enough money.

The merger will create a 1,500-officer metropolitan law enforcement agency in 2007.

The Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police issued a written statement immediately after Monday's vote, saying council members were misleading the public about the amount of money that would be saved.

Resources:

Measure Prohibiting Discrimination Based On Sexual Orientation

Police Merger Ordinance