HRC Blog

Yesterday, state senators in Indiana voted 40-10 to advance a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would define marriage as between one man and one woman and prohibit the state from enacting civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples.  The proposed amendment, HJR-6, had already passed the state House of Representatives.  The amendment could appear on the November 2014 ballot if it is passed again by the state House and Senate after the 2012 elections.

The senate vote comes despite testimony from business, civic and religious leaders that the amendment would tie the hands of future legislators and could undermine the state’s competitive advantage in attracting and retaining top-notch business and scientific talent.

We applaud the efforts of Indiana Equality Action and other advocates in the state who have worked so hard over the past months to educate lawmakers and the public about this amendment.  Unfortunately, yesterday’s disappointing vote assures that the marriage discrimination amendment will continue to be a topic of heated debate for the next eighteen months as Hoosiers prepare for the 2012 state legislative elections.