Indiana Senate votes Tuesday for resolution defining marriage

In an overwhelming victory for Indiana Senate Republicans, legislators passed Senate Joint Resolution 7 Tuesday, which favors an amendment to the Indiana State Constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman.\nIf a majority of Indiana voters approve the measure in the November general election, the amendment will be added to the Indiana Constitution. Once the Constitution is amended, it may only be overturned by the Indiana State Supreme Court. \nSen. Brandt Hershman, R-Wheatfield, was the primary author of the bill, originally introduced to the judiciary committee Jan. 8. \nThe amendment, in addition to outlawing same-sex marriage, also states that unmarried couples cannot receive the same benefits as married couples. And if a gay couple marries in another state, their union is not recognized by the state of Indiana. \nWhile there is an existing law prohibiting same-sex marriages in Indiana, this is the second time such an amendment has passed the Senate. The General Assembly first passed the resolution in 2005.\nIn order to amend the Indiana constitution, two separately elected general assemblies must approve of the amendment, followed by a majority of Indiana’s voters in the November general election. The amendment will be added to the Indiana Constitution if a majority of Indiana voters approve the measure in the November general election.