Noblesville's Shonkwiler Coauthors Unconstitutional Resolution

Alaina Shonkwiler and Jim Banks, April 2024 (reposted from Ms. Shonkwiler's campaign Facebook page)

by Tricia Owens, Chair, Noblesville Democratic Committee

As a Noblesville resident, I was deeply disappointed to learn that my state representative, Alaina Shonkwiler (HD 29), signed on as a coauthor to House Resolution 53—a resolution that doesn’t just blur the line between church and state, but tries to bulldoze it entirely.

Titled “Recognizing the Importance of Repentance,”  the resolution goes far beyond expressing personal belief. It actively promotes one religion—Christianity—as the foundation of Indiana’s identity and government. It declares “Christianity as the foundational faith of our state’s heritage and moral framework,” calls on lawmakers to “seek divine guidance in legislative decision-making,” and encourages public schools to incorporate “Christian values” into their curricula.

This isn’t just bad policy; it’s a direct assault on the constitutional separation of church and state. Our country was built on the promise of religious freedom for all. That means our government must remain neutral when it comes to religion. Supporting a resolution that elevates one faith while excluding everyone else is not only offensive—it’s dangerous.

According to the Pew Research Center, 31% of Hoosiers do not identify as Christians. That includes people of many different faiths and those who don’t practice any religion at all. Representative Shonkwiler’s support for this resolution sends a clear message to them: you don’t count. You’re not included in Indiana’s “moral framework.” That message is not just exclusionary—it’s deeply un-American.

Thankfully, House Resolution 53 was rejected in committee. But the fact that it was even introduced—and coauthored by multiple lawmakers, including Shonkwiler—should concern us all. It’s a reminder that we must remain vigilant in defending our shared rights, especially when they are being quietly undermined under the guise of tradition or morality.

I urge Representative Shonkwiler and all who supported this resolution to reread the First Amendment and remember their oath to represent all Hoosiers—not just those who share their religious beliefs.

We all deserve a government that respects our differences, protects our rights, and stays out of our faith.