Indiana Tries
Again to Ban Same-Sex Marriage

Indiana's senate judiciary committee voted Thursday to send a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage to the full senate. The senate must pass the measure before a Wednesday deadline if it is to receive a house vote.

The judiciary committee's vote was along party lines, with all four Democrats opposed, five Republicans in favor, and two other Republicans absent.

According to the Indianapolis Star, the house is not likely to vote on the amendment. The house rules committee previously denied a hearing for a similar amendment.

According to Indiana procedure, two consecutively elected legislatures must pass the amendment, and then it must be approved by voters in a general election. The senate passed the amendment in 2007, but it later died in the house. If the house and senate both fail to pass the measure, any further action on the issue must start from scratch. (The Advocate)