FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Republicans and Democrats Seek To Add Discrimination to the Constitution

Republicans and Democrats Seek To Add Discrimination to the Constitution

Despite the Governor's call to avoid wading in to divisive issues, The Indiana Republican Party has ignored the head of their party by trying to make discrimination a permanent part of the Indiana Constitution. HJR-6 is a bill that will define marriage between one man and one woman. It is co-authored by two Republicans and two Democrats.

The Libertarian Party of Indiana affirms that personal relationships are an individual's choice and government has no authority to define, license or restrict marriage. This Constitutional amendment increases the power of the government over the lives of all Hoosiers, and is designed to discriminate against homosexual couples.

"The very first section of the Indiana Constitution states that all people are created equal," said Sam Goldstein, Chair of the Libertarian Party of Indiana. "All consenting adults should have equal protections under Indiana law when making a personal and private decision to share their life with someone. Its mind boggling that Republicans would campaign on personal liberty, and then seek to add discrimination to the Constitution. Democrats should also be upset that their legislators are co-sponsoring this bill, and the Indiana Democratic Party has been silent through this process. Where are their principles?"

Goldstein continued, "Employers that are looking to relocate their business will have a hard time choosing Indiana over other states if we allow our government to force those business owners to deny benefits for ALL of their employees. This is a very bad bill for jobs as well."

In this current session of the General Assembly, both parties have sought to "strengthen marriage." One Republican idea is adding a pre-marriage class to the license process (HB 1248).

"It's clear that the Republican Party of Indiana has failed in its promise to stop the tide of government control brought on by Democrats," said Executive Director Chris Spangle. "They have a super majority in the Senate and close to 60 votes in the House. If they were serious about a small government, they have the ability to bring it about. We're almost halfway through the session, and there has been a limited discussion of budgetary issues."

Media Contact: Chris Spangle, 317-920-1994