Indiana Equality Action 2010 Legislative Review
The 2010 session of the Indiana General Assembly is now history. Working under the pressures of a national recession, reduced state revenues, and the need to address Indiana’s economy were the driving forces for this year. For Indiana LGBT citizens and allies, the session brought successes, disappointments, and promise for the future.
Working with key legislative friends and allies, Indiana Equality Action supported the introduction of legislation regarding medical decision making for unmarried couples, and ensuring hospital visitation rights. The introduction of these proposals was a kick-off to educational and advocacy efforts to ensure greater protections for LGBT Hoosiers.
Health care consent: Authored by State Representative Mary Ann Sullivan (Indianapolis), House Bill 1185 would have provided that an adult who shares an emotional, physical, and financial relationship with a patient similar to that of a spouse may consent to health care for an individual incapable of consenting if a health care representative has not been appointed.
Hospital visitation rights for domestic partners: Senate Bill 192, proposed by State Senator Sue Errington (Muncie), would have ensured the hospital visitation rights with a patient by an individual who is in a domestic partnership with that patient.
Marriage Discrimination Amendment: Once more there were proposals before the State Legislature to enact a Marriage Discrimination Amendment -- House Joint Resolutions 5 and 7 and Senate Joint Resolution 13. Each proposal stated that “Only a marriage between one (1) man and one (1) woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana. A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.” While neither House resolution was considered in committee, Senate Joint Resolution 13 advanced through the Senate. Due in large part to your support and actions, the proposal to amend Indiana’s state constitution was stopped when the Indiana House of Representatives did not conduct a hearing on this discriminatory proposal. Friends of fairness and equality generated nearly15,000 e-mails and letters to State Legislators urging them to reject SJR-13.
The Marriage Discrimination Amendment was advocated by Advance America, the American Family Association of Indiana, and the Indiana Family Institute. Even though Indiana has passed the Defense of Marriage Act in 1997, a law that has been upheld by Indiana courts, these organizations pushed for enactment of an unnecessary and discriminatory amendment. These proponents conducted press conferences, organized State House gatherings, and targeted legislative leadership with e-mail and letter campaigns. And none of it worked!
How You Can Help Advance Equality for all Hoosiers
Make a contribution to support IE Action's advocacy and lobbying efforts via our website. Or you may make checks payable to "Indiana Equality Action" and mail to PO Box 20621, Indianapolis, Indiana 46220. Contributions or gifts to Indiana Equality Action are not tax deductible for charitable purposes.
Volunteer to help advance equality. You can be involved in many fashions, including serving as a Key Advocate for Equality, strategy development, and communications. Contact us by sending an e-mail to info@indianaequalityaction.org or send mail to the above postal address.
Join the IE Action Center and assist with communications to our elected officials about supporting equal protection under the law for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Hoosiers. Go to the IE Action website to sign up to receive regular updates.
Watching out for the interests of LGBT Hoosiers across our state is an expensive task. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to Indiana Equality Action to help further our work. Please visit our secure website and make a contribution today to support this important advocacy for fairness and equality.