Indiana Marriage Amendment (2014)
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According to reports, the state already has a law that bans gay marriage, however a constitutional amendment passed by voters would protect that law in state courts.[3]
The proposal is primarily supported by Representatives P. Eric Turner and David Cheatham.[4]
Background
In 2005, the Indiana General Assembly approved a similar marriage measure. The proposal however, never made it to the statewide ballot. In 2006, Democrats won control of the House. The measure failed to pass. In order to appear on the ballot, constitutional amendments must be approved in two successive legislative sessions of the general assembly.[5]
Support
The following is information obtained from the supporting side of the measure:
Supporters of the proposed measure argue that although the state of Indiana already bans same-sex marriage, the amendment would prevent courts from overturning the law.[6]
Opposition
The following is information obtained from the opposing side the measure:
- Rep. Edward Clere was reportedly the only House Republican to oppose the proposed measure. Clere said that while he believes the proposal is well-intended, he doesn't think it addresses real problems.[7]
- Eli Lilly and Co., an Indiana based pharmaceutical company, and Cummins Inc., an OEM engine manufacturer headquartered in Indiana, executives argue that the proposed measure could hurt Indiana's image. Other top state companies said they are worried about the ability to recruit employees should the measure be approved.[6]
Tactics and strategies
- On March 14, 2011 opponents of the proposed marriage amendment gathered in Indianapolis. According to reports, "hundreds of protesters" gathered for the event.[8]
Polls
- See also: Polls, 2013 ballot measures
- A March 10-13, 2011, poll conducted by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research revealed that 43% of the 400 polled registered Indiana voters supported the proposed amendment, while 47% were opposed. A total of 11% said they remained undecided. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.9 percent. The poll was commissioned by Indiana Equality Action.[9]
- A November 12-24, 2012, poll conducted by the Bowen Center for Public Affairs at Ball State University revealed that 38% of the 602 polled Indiana adults support the proposed amendment, while 54% are opposed. A total of 8% said they remained undecided. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.5 percent.[10]
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| Date of Poll | Pollster | In favor | Opposed | Undecided | Number polled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 10-13, 2011 | Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research | 43% | 47% | 11% | 400 |
| November 12-24, 2012 | Bowen Center for Public Affairs | 38% | 54% | 8% | 602 |
Path to the ballot
- See also: Amending the Indiana Constitution
In order to send a constitutional amendment to the ballot, a majority vote is required (in two successive sessions of) the Indiana General Assembly. Indiana is one of 12 states where proposed amendments are considered in two successive sessions of the state's legislature. The proposed measure may appear on the 2014 statewide ballot.[11]
- On February 7, 2011 the House Judiciary Committee voted 8-4 to advance the proposal.[12] On February 15, 2011 the House voted 70-26 in approval of the proposed measure.[13][14]
- On March 13, 2011 the Senate Committee on Judiciary voted 7-3 in favor of the proposed measure.[15][16] On March 29, 2011 the Indiana State Senate voted 40-10 in favor of the proposed measure.[17][18]
See also
Articles
- Indiana Senate gives proposed marriage amendment the green light
- Marriage amendment clears the Indiana House of Representatives
External links
Additional reading
- One News Now,"Indiana marriage amendment makes progress," April 4, 2011
- Associated Press,"Indiana Senate panel could vote on advancing constitutional ban on gay marriage, civil unions," March 23, 2011
- HRC Back Story,"Indiana Senate Committee to Take Up Marriage Discrimination Amendment Again Tomorrow," March 22, 2011
- Courier-Journal,"Vote on same-sex marriage amendment delayed in Indiana," February 14, 2011
References
- ↑ One News Now, "Indiana marriage bill may get stalled again", February 11, 2010
- ↑ Indiana Legislature,"HJR 6 text," retrieved February 14, 2011
- ↑ Washington Blade,"Ind. House panel approves marriage amendment," February 7, 2011
- ↑ On Top Magazine,"Indiana House Panel To Consider Gay Marriage Ban," February 7, 2011
- ↑ The Indy Channel,"Same-Sex Marriage Vote Looms In House," February 14, 2011
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Associated Press,"Top Indiana companies worried by proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage, civil unions," March 16, 2011
- ↑ News and Tribune.com,"Vote expected on same sex marriage ban," March 16, 2011
- ↑ WFPL,"Hundreds Rally in Indiana Against Same-Sex Marriage Ban," March 14, 2011
- ↑ Indiana Equality Action,"Current attitudes about LGBT rights in Indiana," March 2011
- ↑ Ball State University,"WISH TV/BALL STATE UNIVERSITY 2012 HOOSIER SURVEY," December 12, 2012
- ↑ Indiana Statesman,"State lawmakers propose constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages," February 9, 2011
- ↑ The Indy Channel,"Indiana GOP Leaders Renew Gay Marriage Ban Push," February 7, 2011
- ↑ The Republic,"Republican-controlled Indiana House approves constitutional amendment banning gay marriage," February 15, 2011
- ↑ Associated Press,"Amendment to ban gay unions advances," February 16, 2011
- ↑ WCSI 1010,"Gay Marriage Ban Clears Another Hurdle," March 24, 2011
- ↑ Indiana Legislature,"Joint Resolution 6 Committee Report," March 24, 2011
- ↑ South Bend Tribune,"Indiana Senate OKs amendment to ban gay marriages," March 29, 2011
- ↑ WIBC,"Senate Approves Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage," March 29, 2011
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