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Purdue University Senate votes to oppose gay marriage ban

Purdue University Senate votes to oppose gay marriage ban

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue University Senate has approved a resolution opposing Indiana’s proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

purdueThe senate’s members approved by a wide margin Monday a resolution that says the body “strongly urges” the General Assembly and Gov. Mike Pence to oppose adoption of the proposed constitutional amendment.

The Journal & Courier reports that Purdue’s senate was originally planning to only discuss the matter, but senators temporarily suspended the rules so that the resolution could be voted on.

The university senate includes faculty, students, staff and administrators.

Opponents of Indiana’s proposed gay marriage ban say it would be contrary to Purdue’s equal opportunity policies and would harm university recruitment.

Last month, Purdue said it would remain neutral on the issue after Indiana University announced it opposed the ban. Purdue said it traditionally has declined to comment on social issues that are being debated in the public arena.

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But since then, DePauw University and Wabash College announced their opposition to the ban, and Ball State is considering a similar resolution.

The state already bans same-sex marriage by law, but lawmakers began the lengthy process of placing the ban in the constitution in 2011.

If lawmakers sign off a second time on the strengthened ban, it would be placed on the ballot for voters to consider next November.

House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath and Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane have both suggested that the majority Republicans take the issue off the table for 2014.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
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