Chamber announces opposition to HJR-6

The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce announced Friday its opposition to House Joint Resolution 6, the proposed Indiana constitutional amendment, which would define marriage between a man and a woman in Indiana and restrict benefits for same-sex couples.

The position, drafted by the Chamber’s Legislative Council, opposes HJR-6 and instead encourages the state legislature to focus on issues with the potential to strengthen and attract business, according to a press release from the Chamber.

“The Chamber’s principal role is to serve as the voice of business and to protect a favorable business climate for our area’s current and future companies,” Jeb Conrad, president and CEO of the Chamber, said in the release.

Conrad said HJR-6 does not further economic or workforce development in Indiana and could cause unnecessary challenges for businesses in terms of employee benefits.

"This is not an efficient use of our representatives’ time or tax payer’s money," he said. "For these reasons, the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce opposes HJR-6.”

The Chamber’s Legislative Council, Advocacy Council, Executive Committee and Board of Directors concluded HJR-6 to be redundant with a law already in place and said it would shift lawmakers’ focus from critical issues that require attention during the legislative session.

Chamber members including IU and IU Health Bloomington Hospital have also announced their opposition HJR-6.

“The Chamber recognizes the concerns that many businesses have expressed and stands alongside others in our community and across the state in opposition to HJR-6,” Conrad said in the release.

— Matt Stefanski