Valentine's Day Irony in Indiana

It's almost Valentine's Day. Cheesy quotes and fluffy cards will be circulated with chocolates and flowers. Men will scramble for that last second gift in hopes to score some points with their ladies. Women will sweat wondering if their man will do something right or if they screw up yet another Hallmark holiday. Love is in the air and retailers are counting it by the c-note.

During all this fretting a serious debate looms in the Indiana House of Representatives. As early as Monday, the Republican-heavy House can vote to push forward a new amendment that seeks to ban gay marriage. As it stands, the marriage laws in Indiana explicitly deny same-sex marriages.

According to the Indiana constitution (as read on http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title31/ar11/ch1.html):
IC 31-11-1-1
Same sex marriages prohibited
     Sec. 1. (a) Only a female may marry a male. Only a smale may marry a female.
    (b) A marriage between persons of the same gender is void in Indiana even if the marriage is lawful in the place where it is solemnized.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.198-1997, SEC.1.

Proponents of the law site that, as written, the law is susceptible to higher courts over turning the amendment. The new amendment, which would still need to be passed through the Republican-held state senate, must pass through two concurrent legislative sessions. In 2005 the amendment passed through one, but democrats took the House in 2006 ending the push.

With the Republicans holding majority again, it is less likely that the motion won't pass a second time in either 2013 or 2014. After a second passing, the amendment will find its way onto the next year's public ballot similar to California's (in)famous Proposition 8.

So enough of the social studies lecture. We need to fight this now.

According to the 2000 census, Indiana has over 16,000 same-sex couples raising children. That's just open relationships with children. How many are couples living in a shroud of secrecy aren't counted? How many have added to that total in the last ten years? How many aren't raising children for various reasons?

I'm scared for this state and this nation. I'm scared that we're disguising hate and intolerance in the name of fundamental religion and morality. I'm scared that louder conservative faction is covering up the growing progressive side.

For the first time since polling began on same-sex marriage, neither side holds a majority (CNN article). Based on an overwhelming social movement, Don't Ask-Don't Tell was revoked by the US court system. Conservative politicians and religious organizations are teaming up in many states hoping to write iron-clad legislation that they hope will supersede federal action.

We can't let our state fall to this tactic. We need to stand up and voice our beliefs louder than the opposition. It's time to stop being the silent members of society. It's time to stop letting this country be shaped by religious fundamental groups because there was no opposition in their way.

Contact your district representatives and tell them that the cat lady with a cross in her front yard doesn't speak for you. Tell them that your Jesus taught love and tolerance, not hate and exclusion.

Legislators by District
PDF map of districts
Find your elected officials

It's time to let our voices be heard and not to sit by and watch.