Indianapolis, February 22, 2005-- The Indiana Senate today passed Senate Joint Resolution 7 on a vote of 42 to 8. The proposal to amend Indiana's Constitution to ban same-sex marriage now moves to the Indiana House of Representatives for their consideration.
Authored by Senator Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield), SJR 7 would also bar similar legal structures such as civil unions, threaten domestic-partnership benefits, and endanger other legal protections for unmarried families.
During debate on SJR 7, a number of Senators, lead by Anita Bowser (D-Michigan City), spoke against the resolution, clearly explaining why a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage is wrong for Indiana. Lawmakers opposing the amendment questioned the necessity of the amendment, and focused on one section which says nothing the legislature does can be construed as conferring the "legal incidents of marriage" on anything other than the union of a man and woman.
Proponents of SJR 7, lead by Senator Hershman, stated that the constitutional amendment is designed to protect the way marriage has always been throughout the course of Indiana history, U.S. history, world history and the history of civilization. Hershman said he believes the amendment would allow same-sex couples to be granted some rights but would prohibit so-called civil unions that are simply "marriages by another name." Senators who voted no on SJR 7 include:
Anita Bowser (D-Michigan City)
Billie Breaux (D-Indianapolis)
John Broden (D-South Bend)
Glenn Howard (D-Indianapolis)
Tim Lanane (D-Anderson)
Earline Rogers (D-Gary)
Vi Simpson (D-Bloomington)
Sam Smith (D-East Chicago)
In the House of Representatives, SJR 7 is expected to be assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, which will conduct a hearing on the resolution in mid-March. A proposed constitutional amendment must be passed by two separately-elected legislatures, and then approved by voters in a state-wide referendum. The earliest such a vote could take place is November 2008.
It is now important that you contact your State Representative, asking them to vote NO on Senate Joint Resolution 7.
Explain 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 You Can Help!
Make a contribution to support IE's advocacy and lobbying efforts. Make checks payable to "Indiana Equality" and mail to 2950 East 55th Place, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220. You can also donate on-line at www.incoalition.org.
Volunteer to help our initiative. Contact us by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or mail to the above address.
Join our Action Network and assist with communications to our elected officials about supporting equal protection under the law for ALL lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Hoosiers. To sign up, go to the IE website or send us an e-mail to receive regular updates. Contacting Your State Legislator
For information on contacting the legislators who represent 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 Phone Numbers:
House: (317) 232-9600
House Toll-Free: (800) 382-9842
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.
Donations are needed. Please send your contribution to: Indiana Equality; 2950 E. 55th Place; Indianapolis, IN 46220. If you have questions or need additional information, please email us at
.
