A new session of Indiana's legislature convened on January 8th. For many of us, the big question is whether legislators will block a Constitutional Amendment that would prohibit same-gender marriage and deny same-gender families equal protection under the law. The Amendment was initially approved in the 2005 legislative session, but cannot go forward to Hoosier voters unless it is ratified again in the 2008 legislative session. Without ratification, it dies.

The Interfaith Coalition on Nondiscrimination does not have any position for or against same-gender marriage. However, we oppose any legislation that discriminates against Hoosiers based on actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

We oppose this resolution because it would render the Indiana legislature incapable of passing legislation that would grant so-called "legal incidents of marriage" to unmarried couples. A 2005 poll conducted by the Indiana University Center for Survey Research found that the majority of Hoosiers favor granting hospital visitations rights and inheritance rights to same-gender couples even though they opposed allowing these couples to marry legally. This proposed amendment would make it unconstitutional for the Indiana General Assembly to pass legislation granting these rights.

Because of critical work done by ICON and other justice organizations, recent polls show popular support for the Constitutional Amendment is fading-now less than 50%! To maintain the momentum, ICON will implement a five-point strategy in 2008:

1. Sponsor eight or more statewide screenings of the documentary Inlaws & Outlaws, which makes the case for tolerance of diverse families. People who see this are often moved to tears.
2. Share a copy of Inlaws & Outlaws with every state legislator. Education is key.
3. Increase the number clergy and religious professionals who have endorsed our legislative letter opposing the Constitutional Amendment from 135 to 185. Showing legislators how many clergy oppose the Amendment is powerful.
4. Sponsor a Clergy Lobby Day at the Statehouse on February 11th. Legislators will be surprised when they see dozens of clergy who oppose the Amendment.
5. Coordinate a letter-writing campaign from constituents to legislators opposing the Amendment. The voice of fair-minded people of faith matters.