INDIANAPOLIS — The chairman of the House Elections Committee has expelled an opponent of the proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage from a second House hearing on the measure.
Rep. Milo Smith looked up to the House gallery during Wednesday’s hearing and asked Statehouse police to remove a man who had waved a thumbs-down sign after Smith asked the crowd to keep quiet.
The House hearings on a proposed marriage ban have been largely orderly, but opponents of the ban erupted into laughter during testimony Wednesday from the Family Research Council’s Ken Klukowski.
After Klukowski argued national trends could lead toward the legalization of polygamy in some states, a Democratic lawmaker asked if the committee should vote on banning polygamy as well.
Never Miss a Beat
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay ahead of the latest LGBTQ+ political news and insights.
Opponents of the ban showed up in force for the Wednesday afternoon hearing wearing red shirts to signal their opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment.
Article continues below
Legislators approved the proposed amendment with broad bipartisan majorities in 2011. But a shift in public attitudes combined with a strong campaign by opponents has spurred apprehension among many lawmakers.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.