Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, January 10, 2014
(INDIANAPOLIS) - The proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the state is headed for a hearing on Monday.
WTHR reports, the announcement came out of the Statehouse Thursday morning. House Speaker Brian Bosma says HJR3 puts the decision in the hands of the voters and out of the hands of an "activist" judge. That is why he says he supports the amendment, which will be heard in the Judiciary Committee on Monday.
"If I thought it was disastrous for Indiana we would not be doing it," said Bosma. "I certainly don't think it is. Thirty-five states have taken this to referendum. Don't know why Indiana should be eliminated from that same privilege. Nor has it proven disastrous in any of those states. In fact, eight of the top ten fast growth states have an amendment. The top five states have an amendment. I understand this is a personal issue, for many people it is a religious issue, a family issue it is a moral issue but it is not going to have a devastating effect one way or another on Hoosiers but I think it is the right thing to do."
"Today was our last best chance to avoid dragging the state through this very divisive and emotional and unnecessary debate over marriage in Indiana," said Rep. Scott Pelath (D-House Minority leader). "We have so many other issues to be focusing on: the prosperity of our citizens; our incomes, our employment levels, the future of our job market. This is what we need to be focusing on. We don't need to be dragging our citizens through a very unfortunate and at times ugly debate that separates us along moral philosophical and cultural grounds. It is not needed."
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.