News
2007-04-05
Indiana same-sex
marriage ban dies in legislature
No ban on
same-sex marriage in Indiana
The Indiana house
rules subcommittee rejected a proposed co
The Indiana house
rules subcommittee rejected a proposed constitutional
amendment banning same-sex marriage Tuesday, after a
5–5 vote, according to the IndianapolisStar. An emotional speech by a Democratic
representative who fought against the ban wrapped up the
evening's victory for Indiana gays.
"I have cried
over this. I have prayed over this. I have sought
advice from everyone I know to try and come to the right
decision in my heart," said Rep. Terri J. Austin. "I
know some people will be disappointed in me, but I'll
have to live with that."
The five who
voted against the amendment were all Democrats, including
Austin. Dennie Oxley was the only Democrat who voted for the
ban.
"Marriage in
Indiana consists only of the union of one man and one
woman," the proposed amendment reads. "This Constitution or
any other Indiana law may not be construed to require
that marital status or the legal incidents of marriage
be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups."
House speaker B.
Patrick Bauer, a Democrat, said the second sentence in
the proposal could bring about the loss of domestic violence
protections for unmarried straight couples. Amendment
supporters dismissed these concerns, arguing that the
second sentence was critical in preventing the
establishment of civil unions or domestic partnerships in
the state.
A measure could
still go before voters in 2008 if lawmakers reintroduce
and approve it next spring, according to the Star.
(The Advocate)
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