Gay Marriage Debate Could Be Indiana Campaign Issue

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gay marriage could be a divisive issue in Indiana's general election this fall after the California Supreme Court on Thursday legalized same-sex unions.

The California decision, in which the court overruled a state law banning same-sex marriage, bolsters the view of legislative Republicans who support a constitutional amendment, which couldn't be overturned, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

Republicans blame House Speaker Pat Bauer for keeping a constitutional amendment from a floor vote.

"It does underscore that the issue should be addressed, and frankly, the Democrat speaker has stopped it from being address in four out of the last five sessions," said Rep. Brian Bosma, House Minority Leader.

Democrats said the California and Indiana situations are entirely different because Indiana's law has been upheld in court. It has not, however, been taken all the way to the Supreme Court.

"The law itself has been upheld all the way to the appeals court level, and I don't believe it has progressed from that point at all," said John Schorg, House Democratic spokesperson.

Gov. Mitch Daniels said he doesn't support the court ruling, but neither he nor legislative leaders seem eager to make it a major campaign issue.

"It's unfortunate when judges rip decision-making out of the hands of the people," Daniels said.

Eric Miller, head of the conservative lobbying group Advance America, said his group will make gay marriage an issue this year and will question all legislative candidates about where they stand.

"Where do they stand on a constitutional amendment to protect marriage between a man and a woman?" Miller said. "Then, we're going to publicize that. It will be a huge election issue."