Vermont Another Glaring Example of Indiana's Need for Marriage Amendment

On the heels of the Iowa ruling last week overturning a state law banning same-sex marriage, on Tuesday Vermont’s House of Representatives overturned Gov. Jim Douglas’ veto of law allowing same-sex marriage. Vermont now joins Iowa, Massachusetts and Connecticut as states permitting non-traditional marriage.

“This is yet another egregious example of elected officials betraying our American values,” Rep. Walorski said. “Indiana must act — and now. Passing a constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage will keep Hoosier values safe from activist judges and interest groups.”

The Defense of Marriage Amendment so far has been unsuccessful in the Indiana General Assembly. If the resolution is passed by two consecutive, separately elected General Assemblies and Hoosier voters as part of a referendum, it would become part of the Indiana Constitution.

Thirty states, comprising almost two-thirds of the country’s population, have approved constitutional amendments defining and defending marriage.

“I am absolutely confident the Defense of Marriage Amendment would have overwhelming bipartisan support in the House,” Rep. Walorski said. “Today’s events in Vermont should be clear and convincing evidence of why it’s needed.”

Speaker Bauer has taken the position Indiana does not need a constitutional amendment on marriage and has successfully blocked the full House of Representatives from voting on it.

The Indiana Senate has passed the Defense of Marriage Amendment four times — 2004, 2005, 2007 and 2008 — but the state House has passed the amendment only once, in 2005, when Republicans were in the majority.