INDIANA: Constitutional Ban On Gay Marriage Introduced In State House

Indiana's long expected constitutional ban on same-sex marriage has been introduced in the state House.

A resolution that would amend Indiana’s constitution to ban same-sex marriage was filed in the Indiana House of Representatives as expected today, setting into motion a bitter fight between conservatives who want to protect traditional matrimony and those who want to protect the rights of same-sex couples. However, a companion measure (House Bill 1153) clarifies that the intent of the proposal is not to deny employer health benefits to same-sex couples or to circumvent local ordinances that forbid discrimination. That clarifiying language would appear to address some of the concerns raised by employers and others that the amendment would make employee recruitment difficult and make Indiana appear unwelcoming. The clarifying bill, however, seems to still ban civil unions for same-sex couples — a provision that some see as a step too far.

NOM is putting a lot of effort into Indiana, of course. As you can see from the above graphic, Freedom Indiana is inviting pro-gay supporters to attend the bill's hearing on Monday.