The Indiana Senate revived a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages Thursday, approving the measure and sending it to the Democratic-controlled House, where it’s likely to meet a quick death.
The 38-10 vote marked the fourth time the Senate has approved such a provision, which must be approved by two separately elected legislatures before it can be placed on a ballot.
State law already bans same-sex marriages, but conservatives have pushed for the amendment, arguing that it would prevent activist judges from overturning the statute.
Democratic House Speaker Patrick Bauer of South Bend has repeatedly said that amending the state’s constitution isn’t necessary because Indiana law already prohibits same-sex marriage.
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“The Marriage Discrimination Amendment violates every Hoosier’s basic right to fairness and equality,” Randy Studt, president of the gay rights group Indiana Equality, said in a statement. “It’s just an attempt to distract Hoosiers from the greater issues facing Indiana, threatening our state’s current and future economic development.”
More from the Indianapolis Star.
