CONTACTStaffCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
The Indiana senate approved a proposed state constitutional amendment on Tuesday that would ban same-sex marriage. Although the amendment will likely face an uphill battle in the Democrat-controlled house, the Republican-dominated senate approved the resolution 42-7. Indiana already has a defense of marriage act, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. A case challenging that law is under review by the Indiana court of appeals. Supporters of the amendment say the general assembly needs to specifically outlaw same-sex marriage in its constitution to prevent courts from labeling current law as unconstitutional. "This is kind of a leg up if the court decides our current law is unconstitutional," said senate pro tem Robert Garton (R-Columbus). Sen. Brandt Hershman, the Wheatfield Republican who is sponsoring the resolution, said the traditional institution of marriage between a man and a woman has come under attack from courts in other states. He said traditional marriages have received preferential treatment from the government because they promote the welfare of children. Opponents of the proposed amendment, however, said a change in the state constitution is not needed. Democratic senator Anita Bowser of Michigan City said states have always recognized laws enacted by other states. She said Indiana should recognize marriage ceremonies in other states even if they are between members of the same sex. She said homosexuality has been around for ages in all cultures and that people should be more tolerant. "It is unnecessary. It is offensive," Bowser said of the proposed amendment. "It is a deplorable act of hostility." Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary) said the proposal reminds her of prohibitions against interracial marriage, which were not lifted in Indiana until 1967. She said the state constitution was formed to protect certain rights, not take them away from certain groups of people. Some Democratic leaders in the house have said they would not give the bill a hearing. Gov. Joe Kernan, a Democrat, has said he believes Indiana's laws are clear enough. But Kernan won't have to sign off on the proposal. To amend the constitution, two consecutive general assemblies have to pass the resolution before it would go to Indiana voters for a referendum.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Here Are Our 2024 Election Predictions. Will They Come True?
November 07 2023 1:46 PM
Meet all 37 of the queer women in this season's WNBA
April 17 2024 11:24 AM
17 Celebs Who Are Out & Proud of Their Trans & Nonbinary Kids
November 30 2023 10:41 AM
Here Are the 15 Most LGBTQ-Friendly Cities in the U.S.
November 01 2023 5:09 PM
Which State Is the Queerest? These Are the States With the Most LGBTQ+ People
December 11 2023 10:00 AM
These 27 Senate Hearing Room Gay Sex Jokes Are Truly Exquisite
December 17 2023 3:33 PM
10 Cheeky and Homoerotic Photos From Bob Mizer's Nude Films
November 18 2023 10:05 PM
42 Flaming Hot Photos From 2024's Australian Firefighters Calendar
November 10 2023 6:08 PM
These Are the 5 States With the Smallest Percentage of LGBTQ+ People
December 13 2023 9:15 AM
Here are the 15 gayest travel destinations in the world: report
March 26 2024 9:23 AM
Watch Now: The Daily
Trending stories from our video partner Advocate Channel.
For more videos and shows go to advocatechannel.com.
Trending stories from our video partner Advocate Channel.
For more videos and shows go to advocatechannel.com.
Latest Stories
How a lesbian's triumph on the Portland Timbers billboard broke barriers
April 24 2024 4:52 PM
‘Faces of Gun Violence’ exhibit unveiled at inaugural survivors’ summit
April 24 2024 4:46 PM
Trans woman Andrea Doria Dos Passos beaten to death in Miami Beach; arrest made
April 24 2024 4:36 PM
TikTok may be banned in the U.S. after Biden signs new law — Why?
April 24 2024 3:43 PM
Serial killer of gay men in New Orleans released after 46 years in prison
April 24 2024 2:16 PM
The 'largest bi+ event in the world' is happening this year. Here's when and where
April 24 2024 12:42 PM
What happens if Donald Trump is jailed for criminal contempt?
April 24 2024 12:22 PM
Megan Rapinoe, Sue Bird, and more urge NCAA to stand up for trans inclusion
April 24 2024 8:00 AM
Over 90% of trans youth live in states pushing anti-trans legislation: report
April 23 2024 10:08 PM