Pryor joins community members, faith leaders to advocate for religious freedom
Today, June 11, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D–Indianapolis) attended a “Faith Over Fear” religious freedom gathering at the Indiana Statehouse. The interfaith event, organized by State Sen. Fady Qaddoura (D–Indianapolis) in collaboration with religious leaders and community organizations, was designed to affirm Indiana’s commitment to religious freedom and stand up against religious discrimination.
The event included a call to action for Gov. Braun to take meaningful steps to protect religious freedom for all Hoosiers.
Pryor released the following statement:
“I was happy to attend the Faith Over Fear event, but disappointed that the gathering was necessary. As someone who represents constituents of many faiths, I felt called to join my fellow Hoosiers in calling for an end to the type of religious discrimination that has become commonplace in our state government for the last eighteen months.
“As Christians, God calls us to love and accept everyone, but Gov. Braun and Lt. Gov. Beckwith have consistently sought to undermine religious freedom and marginalize non-Christian Hoosiers since taking office. This kind of treatment for some Hoosiers is a disservice to all Hoosiers.
“Indiana won’t have true religious freedom until every Hoosier feels safe and free to practice their chosen faith. For that reason, I’m happy to support the religious protections proposed at the event. If Lt. Gov. Beckwith has so little interest in protecting and preserving the religious rights of non-Christian Hoosiers, then his office has no business running the Faith-Based Institutions Initiative.
“Indiana is better when every Hoosier is respected, valued and free to practice their faith. That’s why I will always advocate for religious freedom and individuals’ rights to worship however they choose.”