''The proponents of SJR 13 know the next generation feels differently concerning these social and cultural matters.... They think the right to express their changing views through the democratic process simply shouldn't count. We don't think that's representative government.''
Don Sherfick, of the pro-gay Indiana Equality Action, reacting to the Indiana state Senate's vote to add a Constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage. The vote was 38-10. The state already has laws forbidding same-sex marriage, so it is thought this action is simply a stunt to increase socially conservative interest at election time. It's reported that the process can take 5 years, and that the legislature nearly passed in an earlier attempt. Some predict that the state's House will not approve the measure. According to Indiana Star, "Two separately elected legislatures and voters" must approve the constitutional change. (IndyStar.com)
''Indiana is in danger of same-sex marriages.... Iowa did not have a constitutional amendment. The same thing could happen here.''
Eric Miller, of the anti-gay, conservative org Advance America, using nearby Iowa as the justification why the government of Indiana should pass a constitutional amendment in addition to the states current law's restrictions against gay and lesbian marriages. The state Senate just passed a bill to approve a change to the constitution by a wide margin. (IndyStar.com)
