Opponents of HJR-3 says ensuring the proposed constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage wouldn’t be on the ballot this fall was a huge victory.
But they say the battle isn’t over yet.
HJR-3’s second sentence, which banned civil unions, was removed by the House because of concerns it could prohibit domestic partnership benefits. The Senate last Thursday opted against reinserting it and Monday approved HJR-3, moving it forward to the next General Assembly. Senate President Pro Tem David Long was opposed to the second sentence. But he says he’s in favor of HJR-3 and thinks it will be brought forward next year.
Lara Rinderknecht is a volunteer with Freedom Indiana, a statewide coalition opposed to HJR-3. She says opponents of the amendment need to stay vigilant.
HJR-3 now moves to the next General Assembly for approval in either 2015 or 2016. If passed, it would head to the ballot in 2016.