Indiana House to Hold Hearing on Marriage Equality Ban

[William769]

Indiana's House Judiciary Committee is set to hear a proposed constitutional amendment Monday that opponents say could ban all legal recognitions of same-sex relationships.

State Rep. Eric Turner, a republican, introduced House Joint Resolution 3 on Thursday, in addition to a companion bill that the sponsor says aims to clarify what the proposed constitutional amendment would not do.

As written, HJR-3 would amend Indiana's constitution to read, "Only a marriage between one (1) man and one (1) woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized," reports the Journal Gazette.

The companion legislation, House Bill 1153, seeks to clarify the extent of the restrictions on relationship recognition in the state, contending that a constitutional amendment prohibiting any such recognition for same-sex couples is not intended to force private employers, state subdivisions, or educational institutions to rescind existing domestic partner benefits, nor will it invalidate existing nondiscrimination ordinances. HB1153 also claims the proposed marriage amendment is not intended to have any impact on existing legal arrangements for unmarried couples, including powers of attorney, wills, or trusts, nor does it seek to invalidate domestic violence protection laws that might currently extend to LGBT people.

http://www.advocate.com/politics/marriage-equality/2014/01/11/indiana-house-hold-hearing-marriage-equality-ban

[HockeyMom]

1. Flesh and blood relatives who WILL fight for gay rights

Have they considered this? I live in a state (Florida) which has constitutionally banned gay marriage. My daughter married in NY. Her wife has relatives too in Florida. I had a very LONG conversation with my daughter's SIL who also lives in Florida.

We have both agreed that should something happen to either of them, we their blood relatives are prepared to fight this State for THEIR RIGHTS as a legally married lesbian couple. Have these bigoted states taken this into consideration? Or they just ASSUME that gay's mothers, fathers, sister, brotheres, etc., won't fight for their gay sons and daughters rights?? Are these biogted states prepared to fight BLOOD RELATIVES too?

It should not be like this, but we have to face reality and be prepared for it. My family has done this.

[William769]

2. I live in Florida.

I lost my life partner (16 years) in 2006 and because of his family a two year court battle ensued. (yes we had all paper work through lawyers plus the will, but that didn't matter).

I even almost lost my house! I love our straight allies but some people fully can't comprehend what a LGBT couple can be put through when basic simple rights are denied.

I have seen you post for a long time on DU and you are one of my favorite people.

[99Forever]

3. This is almost exacty what the GOP homophobes...

... tried for in Minnesota. You would be well advised to see how we handled it.

Time for some political judo in Indiana.

[shenmue]

4. Oh mercy

I wish people would just let each other be.