Indianapolis, IN -
A majority of Indiana residents oppose a proposed gay marriage ban.
Republican state Representative Eric Turner's proposed amendment limiting marriage to heterosexual couples is expected to clear its final legislative hurdle early next year and make its way to the 2014 ballot.
However, only 38 percent of respondents to a WISH-TV/Ball State Hoosier Survey support the amendment, while 54 percent oppose it.
"There are more Republicans who would like to see it in the constitution," Ball State political scientist Joe Losco told WISH-TV, "but Democrats and independents are strongly against it."
The survey found the state divided on the question of marriage equality: 45 percent support its legalization, and an identical 45 percent oppose the idea. Ten percent said they were unsure.
A majority (55%) also support civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, with 37 percent opposed.
Curt Smith, the head of the Indiana Family Institute, a group working to approve the marriage ban, predicted a win for his side if the amendment reaches the ballot.
"[I]f this goes on the ballot, I'm confident we'll get a strong vote from Hoosier voters," Smith said.
Republican state Representative Eric Turner's proposed amendment limiting marriage to heterosexual couples is expected to clear its final legislative hurdle early next year and make its way to the 2014 ballot.
However, only 38 percent of respondents to a WISH-TV/Ball State Hoosier Survey support the amendment, while 54 percent oppose it.
"There are more Republicans who would like to see it in the constitution," Ball State political scientist Joe Losco told WISH-TV, "but Democrats and independents are strongly against it."
The survey found the state divided on the question of marriage equality: 45 percent support its legalization, and an identical 45 percent oppose the idea. Ten percent said they were unsure.
A majority (55%) also support civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, with 37 percent opposed.
Curt Smith, the head of the Indiana Family Institute, a group working to approve the marriage ban, predicted a win for his side if the amendment reaches the ballot.
"[I]f this goes on the ballot, I'm confident we'll get a strong vote from Hoosier voters," Smith said.
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine
