Supporters of HJR-3, the proposed constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage, are beginning to show up in large numbers at the Statehouse as the debate over the measure continues in the Senate.
The House passed HJR-3 two weeks ago after removing the measure’s second sentence, which would ban civil unions. Monday, it passed a Senate committee.
That’s also when groups in favor of the amendment made a big show of support, calling on the Senate to restore the second sentence. Those supporters include a grassroots organization called Young Hoosiers For Marriage, a coalition ranging from school-age Hoosiers to adults.
Shane Weist says his group represents a voice that’s been missing from the debate.
“We feel like this is just the beginning of this throughout America," Weist says. "I mean, now starts the test and getting involved now – I think this is an issue that’s going to go on for years, so we feel like this is a good time to get involved.”
Freedom Indiana campaign manager Megan Robertson says lawmakers respond most to hearing directly from constituents, something her group’s been involved with for six months.
“That’s why we’ve been finding our supporters that want to stand against this harmful amendment and engaging them and mobilizing them," Robertson says, "so that they can learn how to contact their legislators through phone calls, emails, letters and individual meetings.”
The Senate could consider reinserting the second sentence as early as Thursday.
