(Indianapolis, Ind.) – An Indiana constitutional amendment that would strengthen the document against gay marriage may be held back until 2014.
A pending U.S. Supreme Court case concerning gay marriage case could affect the possible Indiana ban.
The Evansville Courier and Press reports that a majority of lawmakers on the House and Senate committees that would vote on the ban would prefer to wait until next year, after the Supreme Court’s decision.
Amendments to the Indiana Constitution must pass two consecutive General Assemblies – though not necessarily in consecutive years – then voters. State lawmakers previously passed the amendment in 2011. Lawmakers do have the option of waiting until 2014 to pass the amendment, sending it to Indiana’s voters to ultimately decide on.
A decision could be made by Indiana House and Senate leaders next week. House Speaker Brian Bosma and Senate President David Long will meet with their caucuses to discuss waiting until 2014 for a vote.
Regardless of what happens with the amendment, gay marriage won't be any easier in Indiana, where the state constitution already defines marriage as between one man and one woman.
In a poll conducted last year by Ball State University's and WISH-TV, 54 percent of Indiana residents said they oppose the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage while 38 percent support a ban. Eight percent were undecided.
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