The Indiana Senate has voted 40-10 to approve an amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the state. The bill's language, which says "a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized," means that civil unions would not be recognized either.
The Indianapolis Star reports:
If the General Assembly passes the measure again in 2013 or 2014, it would go to the voters in 2014, before the state constitution can be amended.
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Democratic Sen. Tim Lanane of Anderson argued that attitudes toward same-sex marriages are rapidly changing and the amendment would make it difficult for future changes in state law.
The public gallery was closed for the vote following a protest by marriage equality supporters that disrupted debate yesterday.
The Indiana House approved the measure in February on a 70-26 vote.