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Indianapolis, March 03, 2005-- Senate Joint Resolution 7, a proposal to amend Indiana’s Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, bar similar legal structures such as civil unions, threaten domestic-partnership benefits, and endanger other legal protections for unmarried families has passed the Indiana Senate and is now pending 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 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 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.

Opportunities to Learn More about the Proposed Marriage Ban

Indiana Lawmakers, a WFYI Channel 20 program, will air a program discussing same-sex marriage. Chris Douglas (IE board member) and Rev. Kevin Armstrong to appear as panelists. The others to be in the discussion include Sen. Brandt Hershman author of SJR 7. The program will air on Saturday, March 5th (6:30 am) and Sunday, March 6th (1:30 pm). The program will be available following broadcast on the WFYI website (http://www.wfyi.org/indianaLawmakers.asp).

Come to the Wynne Courtroom in the IU School of Law-Indianapolis (IUPUI) on March 7th, from 12:00 noon until 1:30 p.m., when the author of the SJR7 amendment (to ban same sex marriage), Senator Brandt Hershman-Republican, and an opponent, Indiana Representative (and IUPUI Law Professor) David Orentlicher-Democrat, will answer your questions from the floor. This Forum has been organized by the Student Life and Diversity at IUPUI, Campus & Community Life at IUPUI, Indiana Equality and the University College at IUPUI.

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.indianaequality.org.
• Volunteer to help our initiative. Contact us by sending an e-mail to 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 .