Senate Joint Resolution 7: Traditional Marriage Amendment

Author:
Senators, Brandt Hershman, Vic Heinold, Richard Bray, Robert Jackman, John Waterman, Dennis Kruse, Johnny Nugent, Gary Dillon, Michael Young, Mike Delph, Thomas Weatherwax, Marvin Riegsecker, Jeff Drozda

Summary:
As many of you may know, a traditional marriage amendment has been introduced in Indiana during the pass few legislative sessions. Senate Joint Resolution 7 would have allowed Indiana voters to amend the Indiana Constitution to state that marriage is between one man and one woman.

On Thursday, January 24, 2008 the Senate Judiciary Committee voted to pass SJR 7 out of committee by a vote of 5 to 4. However, as SJR 7 came to the full Senate, leaders refused to allow the resolution to come to a vote.

The proposed amendment stated:

“(a) Marriage in Indiana consists only of the union of one man and one woman.
(b) This Constitution or any other Indiana law may not be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.”

Status:

1/8/2008		Introduced and referred to Judiciary Committee
1/24/2008		Passed by judiciary committee and sent to the full senate

HSLDA's Position:
HSLDA supports S.J.R. 7.

Action Requested:
No further action requested at this time.

Background:

Amending the Indiana Constitution will protect marriage from activist state judges. Without this amendment, an activist judge, out of step with the citizens, will one day redefine marriage for everyone.

Other Resources

E-lert—January 28, 2008—Indiana: Calls Needed, Marriage Amendment Voted out of Committee

E-lert—January 30, 2008—Indiana: Calls Needed to Support Marriage Amendment in House

Bill Text