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Indiana gay amendment passes House

Indiana House of Representatives

Indiana lawmakers in the Republican-led House Tuesday passed the gay marriage amendment after removing language that would ban recognition of anything “similar” to same-sex marriage.     That change would also lengthen the process of amending the state constitution, but the clause could be reinserted by Senate Republicans.

Measure sponsor Rep. Eric Turner disputes claims by opponents that the ban would hurt economic development. "In 2013, eight of the top nine states with the highest rate of private sector job growth had constitutional amendments on marriage."

House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath called for the proposal’s defeat.  "And let’s for once, Mr. Speaker, accept the fact that we’re changing.  And when we change it’s not the end of the world."

The measure now goes to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.

Rick has been a member of the WFPL News team since 2001 and has covered numerous beats and events over the years. Most recently he’s been tracking the Indiana General Assembly and the region’s passion for sports, especially college basketball.