Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a
Republican, is backing a measure that would ban gay marriage in the
Indiana Constitution.
The rush for a referendum on the issue
comes after the Supreme Court ruled in two cases related to the
issue. In one case, the high court struck down the Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA), which prohibited the federal government from
recognizing the legal marriages of gay and lesbian couples. The
second case paved the way for same-sex marriages to resume in
California.
“Now that the Supreme Court has had
its say on the federal government's role in defining marriage, the
people of Indiana should have their say about how marriage is
understood and defined in our state,” Pence said last week. “Given
that opportunity, I am confident that Hoosiers will reaffirm our
commitment to traditional marriage and will consider this important
question with civility and respect for the values and dignity of all
of the people of our state. I look forward to supporting efforts by
members of the Indiana General Assembly to place a constitutional
amendment on the ballot for voter consideration next year.”
Lawmakers in 2011 approved Republican
Rep. Eric Turner's proposed amendment but a second vote is needed
before it can go on the ballot.
A December WISH-TV/Ball State Hoosier
Survey found only 38 percent of respondents support the amendment.
Republicans control all three branches
of government in Indiana.