Butler University opposes proposed Indiana gay marriage ban
Sun. November 24, 2013 9:24 AM by OnTopMag.com
Indianapolis, IN -
Butler University on Thursday announced its opposition to a proposed gay marriage ban in Indiana.
"Butler University is an institution where all people are welcome and valued, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnicity; a culture of acceptance and inclusivity that is as old as the university itself," said Butler President James M. Danko.
Megan Robertson, campaign manager of Freedom Indiana, the coalition of groups working against passage of the amendment, welcomed Butler's announcement.
"We are grateful to Butler for standing with Freedom Indiana and our efforts to protect all Hoosiers," Robertson said in a written statement. "Our Constitution is not the place to have this conversation, and we simply cannot afford to send the message that our state is not a welcoming place."
Danko said that passage of the amendment would hinder the school's ability to compete for staff and students.
"Continuing to attract diverse and talented students, faculty, and staff to Butler is of the utmost importance as we seek to provide an education that prepares our students to succeed in a multicultural workforce and global society," Danko said.
Republican lawmakers, including Governor Mike Pence, are pushing for House Joint Resolution 6 (HJR-6) to be on next year's ballot. The measure seeks to define marriage as a heterosexual union and prohibit civil unions as an alternative to marriage. It sailed through the Republican-controlled General Assembly in 2011. A needed second vote is expected to take place early next year.
A WISH-TV/Ball State University Hoosier Survey released earlier this month found only 38 percent of respondents support the amendment.
(Related: Opposition to Indiana's proposed gay marriage ban increases 4 points.)
"Butler University is an institution where all people are welcome and valued, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, religion, or ethnicity; a culture of acceptance and inclusivity that is as old as the university itself," said Butler President James M. Danko.
Megan Robertson, campaign manager of Freedom Indiana, the coalition of groups working against passage of the amendment, welcomed Butler's announcement.
"We are grateful to Butler for standing with Freedom Indiana and our efforts to protect all Hoosiers," Robertson said in a written statement. "Our Constitution is not the place to have this conversation, and we simply cannot afford to send the message that our state is not a welcoming place."
Danko said that passage of the amendment would hinder the school's ability to compete for staff and students.
"Continuing to attract diverse and talented students, faculty, and staff to Butler is of the utmost importance as we seek to provide an education that prepares our students to succeed in a multicultural workforce and global society," Danko said.
Republican lawmakers, including Governor Mike Pence, are pushing for House Joint Resolution 6 (HJR-6) to be on next year's ballot. The measure seeks to define marriage as a heterosexual union and prohibit civil unions as an alternative to marriage. It sailed through the Republican-controlled General Assembly in 2011. A needed second vote is expected to take place early next year.
A WISH-TV/Ball State University Hoosier Survey released earlier this month found only 38 percent of respondents support the amendment.
(Related: Opposition to Indiana's proposed gay marriage ban increases 4 points.)
Article provided in partnership with On Top Magazine