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Indianapolis, February 16, 2005-- The Indiana Senate has passed Senate Joint Resolution 7 on second reading. The proposal to amend Indiana's Constitution to ban same-sex marriage and bar similar legal structures is now eligible for third (and final) reading by the Senate as early as Thursday, February 17th. During Tuesday's discussion on SJR 7, two amendments were proposed to the resolution. One, authored by Senator Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) would have substituted the following language: "The power to define the terms and conditions of marriage and other domestic relationships shall rest exclusively with the General Assembly." This amendment was rejected by a vote of 12 to 34. Those supporting the change were:

• Senator Rose Antich-Carr (D-Merrillville),
• Anita Bowser (D-Michigan City)
• Billie Breaux D-Indianapolis),
• John Broden (D-South Bend) Glenn Howard (D-Indianapolis)
• Larry Lutz (D-Evansville)
• Earline Rogers (D-Gary)
• Vi Simpson (D-Bloomington),
• Connie Sipes (D-New Albany)
• Tim Skinner (D-Terre Haute)
• Sam Smith(D-East Chicago).

A second amendment to strike Section B of the Resolution (language baring similar legal structures) which was authored by Senator Broden failed on a voice vote.

If SJR 7 passes the Senate, it will move to the House of Representative for further consideration. A constitutional amendment must be passed by two separately-elected legislatures, and then approved by the voters in a referendum. The earliest that could happen is November 2008.

It is vital that you contact your State Senator TODAY, stating your belief that a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage is wrong for Indiana. Make it clear to your Senator that:

• No group of people should be fenced out of the Constitution.
• A marriage amendment would damage Indiana's weak economy even further.
• A marriage amendment could impose inappropriate mandates on Indiana's business and universities.
• The proposed marriage amendments won't "protect traditional families," but will cause real harm to real families, young and old, gay and straight.

How to Contact Your State Senator

For information on contacting the State Senator who represents you, go to www.in.gov/legislative/legislators. If you do not know who represents you, find out by going to Project Vote Smart - A Voter's Self Defense System at www.vote-smart.org. Important Senate Phone Numbers

• Senate: (317) 232-9400
• Senate Toll-Free: (800) 382-9467
• TDD-local: (317) 232-0404
• TDD-long distance: (800) 548-9517

Indiana Equality (IE) is a coalition of statewide and regional LGBT groups working to oppose the discriminatory marriage amendment to our state's constitution and to amend the state civil rights law to protect all Indiana residents from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

If you have questions or need additional information, please email us at or call toll free 888.567.0750.