State Senate Approves Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The Indiana Senate has approved an amendment to the state constitution that would ban same-sex marriage. Forty-two senators voted in favor of the amendment and eight voted against it. All eight senators who opposed the resolution are Democrats. Advocates say the amendment is necessary to protect traditional marriage. Critics denounce it as unnecessary and discriminatory. The issue now goes to the House. If the House passes the resolution, two more steps are required to amend the constitution. First it the legislature must approve it again in either 2007 or 2008, then be ratified by Indiana voters.