Soon? Holcomb’s first tests on culture wars – Indianapolis Star

Gov. Eric Holcomb has kept a low-profile as bills on hot-button social issues have been moving through the Indiana General Assembly. That could end soon if bills on abortion and school prayer land on his desk.(Photo: Robert Scheer)Buy Photo

One of the key questions about Gov. Eric Holcomb when he emerged as a candidate for governor and after he was elected was which of his two immediate predecessors would he most resemble when it comes to hot-button social issues.

Mitch Daniels is largely remembered for attempting to call a truce in the culture wars, although late in his term he signed a bill blocking Medicaid funding to groups that perform abortions. The legacy of Mike Pence, meanwhile, was colored by controversial eruptions over same-sex marriage and religious freedom and the court challenge to block an abortion bill he signed.

Holcomb worked for both governors. Hemade it clear during his campaign he is allied with social conservatives on issues such as abortion. But he also signaled a more nuanced approach. In his State of the State address, he made no mention of cultural warfare, focusing instead on meat-and-potatoes issues such as roads and bridges, workforce development and the states economy.

Soon, though, he could be confronted with a trio of bills that have been moving steadily through the Indiana General Assembly that deal with the kinds of culture wars issues that wind up on voter scorecards.

One of the bills wouldensure parents have a seatin the courtroom if their minor daughterapproaches a judge seeking permission for an abortion without parental approval. A second requires abortion providers to give women seeking a medically-induced abortion information about an unproven method to stop andreverse the abortion pill. Finally, a school prayer billwould essentially write into law the types of religious expression courts have said are allowable in public schools.

All three bills have passed one legislative chamber, raising the prospect that they could soon land on Holcomb's desk andprompt the revival of a question that has been circulating since last summer.

Ive been asked on numerous occasions, Is he Mike Pence or is he Mitch Daniels? said House Speaker Brian Bosma. And I would say, He is Eric Holcomb. He was part of both administrations and seen leadership qualities and characteristics of each, and will chart his own course.

Bosma and GOP Senate leader David Long say they have discussed the abortion and prayer bills in Holcombs presence during their regular meetings with the governor. But they say Holcomb has offered almost no input on them.

As a candidate, Holcomb said he "supports measures that protect the unborn" and would have signed a bill Pence approved thatcreatedabortion restrictions dealing with fetal gender and disabilities a lawlater blocked infederal court. ButHolcomb's spokeswoman said he has not yet taken positions on the pending legislation. And lobbyists and advocacy groups say Holcomb has kept such a low profile on these bills as to be nearly invisible.

These issues are not a priority for the governor this session," spokeswoman Stephanie Wilson said. At this stage, hes only weighing in on bills that reflect his legislative priorities

The abortion and school prayer bills now advancing through the legislature have captured the attention of activists and lobbyists, but they mostly nibble around the edges of those issues. There are only about 20 instances a year in Indiana where minors seek court approval for abortions without a parent's permission. Drug-induced abortions are, by some estimates, only 15 percent of all abortions. Many people on both sides of the school prayer bill say it doesn't break much new ground, but instead puts existing case rulings into Indiana law.

Long said he expects Holcomb to adhere to his stated opposition to abortion, but he acknowledges the issues present an early indicator of Holcombs approach. Its all brand new; its only a month and a half in, Long said. He hadnt had a chance to show his hand on exactly where he stands.

Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, who has argued vehemently against the abortion pill proposal and is skeptical of the need for the school prayer bill, hopes Holcomb will take a measured approach.

So far, shes been impressed by Holcombs focus on issues such as roads, preschool funding and drug abuse prevention and on his decisions to pardon a wrongfully-convicted felon and to address lead contamination problems in East Chicago. She says Holcomb appears to have a strong moral compass.

As a new administration and a new chief executive, you get one opportunity to come out of the gate and define your leadership style, Austin said. Especially on issues like this.

The most sweeping bill introduced this year on the culture wars front one that would essentially outlaw abortion died in committee after House Republican leaders decided it had no chance to withstand a court challenge. Theres a difference of opinion on how well the remaining menu of issues will serve as an indicator of Holcombs approach on such thorny matters.

Patti Stauffer, a vice president for public policy for Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky, has concerns about both abortion bills. She says Holcomb has an opportunity to set the tone for his tenure in office by opposing them. It is an opportunity for him to be able to set a path for us that will be productive, constructive and farsighted, she said.

Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association of Indiana, said the advancing bills dont greatly stretch the boundaries of social policyand thus arent much of a test for the depth of Holcombs convictions. He expects the governor to support thembut acknowledges theres been no indication hes been closely engaged with them. That fog may be about to lift, Clark said.

I guess well see if they get to his desk."

Call IndyStar reporter Robert King at (317) 444-6089. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

These measures have cleared one chamber of Indiana General Assembly. If they reach Gov. Eric Holcomb's desk, they could provide more insight on where he stands on hot-button social issues.

House Bill 1128 Author: Rep. Ronald Bacon, R-Chandler.

Whats in the bill:It requires abortion providersto give a woman seeking a drug-induced abortion a state-created information sheet about medical professionals who can aid in the possible reversal of the abortion pill process. The information would include a disclaimer that: No scientifically validated medical study confirms that an abortion may be reversed after taking abortion inducing drugs. Listed also would be information to the website of an Ob-Gyn association thats highly skeptical of the process. It also requires abortion clinics to provide the state with additional information about patients, including the number of her previous children, miscarriages and date of last menses.

Status: Passed the House by a vote of 54-41, with 17 Republicans joining all but two Democrats in opposing it. Assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate Bill 404 Author: Sen. Erin Houchin, R-Salem.

What it does: Gives the parent or guardian of a pregnant minor the right to attend and testify at hearings where the minor is seeking court permission for an abortion without parental consent. (Currently, parents are excluded.)Requires the parent be served with a court summons. Requires minor to seek waiver of parental consent by 16 weeks into the pregnancy. When a parent consents to the abortion, that consent must be provided through a notarized, written form; the parent must provide a government identificationand some evidence that proves the person is the parent or guardian. Enables parents to sue those who help a pregnant minor obtain an abortion without parental consent or a court waiver.

Status: Passed the Senate by a vote of 36-13, with four Republicans joining all the Democrats in opposition. Assigned to House Committee on Public Policy.

Senate Bill 1024 Author: Rep. John Bartlett, D-Indianapolis.

What it does: Establishes in state law that public schools shall not discriminate against a student or parent based on religion, that students can express their beliefs in schoolwork and their clothing, that students can pray or engage in religious expression before, during and after school, organize prayer groups and religious clubs, use school facilities to the same extent as students with secular views do. Requires schools to establish a limited public forum at all school events. Requires schools to accommodate students who wish to be excluded from religious activities.

Status: Passed the House 83-12, with 15 Democrats joining most Republicans in support. Assigned to Senate Education and Career Development.

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Soon? Holcomb’s first tests on culture wars – Indianapolis Star

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