Indiana Gay Marriage Ban Supporters, Opponents Square Off

Indiana is one of just four states that have banned same-sex marriage but have not written it into their constitution

Indiana's House Judiciary Committee on Monday heard arguments in support and against a proposed amendment to the state constitution to ban gay marriage.

Republican Rep. Eric Turner of Cicero submitted the proposed amendment last week and defended it before the panel Monday morning. Opponents of the ban said it would hurt businesses' efforts to recruit top talent.

Activists with Freedom Indiana cheered in the hallway outside the House as amendment opponents testified.

The committee is hearing testimony and will then vote on the proposed amendment and companion legislation. Indiana already bans gay marriage in state law. But supporters of the amendment say it would strengthen that ban against potential court challenges.

Altering the state constitution requires votes in two consecutive two-year sessions of the General Assembly and the support of voters.

Indiana is one of just four states that have banned same-sex marriage but have not written it into their constitution.

Illinois in November became the 16th state in the union to allow same sex couples to marry. Those ceremonies can begin in June.

The Associated Press' Tom LoBianco contributed to this report.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us