Nix 6!

Help Us Nix 6 – The Indiana Marriage (Discrimination) Amendment

The Indiana Marriage Discrimination Amendment or House Joint Resolution 6 (HJR-6) has passed through Indiana’s House and Senate. It is on track to become the first time in Indiana’s history when our constitution is amended to take away rights rather than to grant them.

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What Exactly is the Indiana Marriage Discrimination Amendment?

HJR-6 is a proposed constitutional amendment amendment that seeks to narrowly define marriage in Indiana.  The exact wording is as follows:

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.

What Happens if It Passes?

This Amendment would have a dramatic effect on gay and lesbian relationships in the state.  Depending on interpretation, the amendment could do the following:

  • Prevent any future attempts to allow for same-sex marriage
  • Eliminate health care benefits for same-sex partnerships
  • Eliminate legally binding documents for same-sex couples that are “substantially similar to marriage” such as wills and trusts
  • Eliminate inheritance laws from being applied to same-sex couples
  • Eliminate hospital visitation rights

What Happens Next?

HJR-6 must pass through the House and Senate again in 2013. If it passes, unaltered, it will be on the ballot in 2014. This means that Hoosiers will cast their vote either for or against HJR-6 as it is written today.

Where Can I Learn More?

What Can I DO to Nix Six?

  • E-mail your Indiana Representatives today.  Tell them exactly what you think about this topic!
  • Make your voice heard! Call and e-mail your legislators today – NOW – telling them to, “Nix Six!” Share with them your reasons why this matters.  Find your legislator here.
  • Discuss HJR-6 with your family, co-workers, and friends. Lots of people are not even aware this is happening. It is OUR job to talk with them, to engage them in conversation. It is very difficult to argue against one’s personal experience. Ask them: “If there is a vote to amend Indiana’s constitution to take away the rights of LGBT people, will you vote against it?”  (Need tips on having conversations about this contentious issue?  Check out Fair-Talk.org’s resources page.)
  • Distribute this page or send a PDF copy widely, either by e-mail, by photocopying or sharing at allied events, by posting on social networks, or whatever works to spread the word
  • Donate to Indiana Equality Action. Learn Why Money Matters in IEA’s fight to make a difference for LGBT Hoosiers.
  • Tell your story! Ask your legislator to have lunch or coffee with you. You can do it! They work for us! Let them get to know you for who you are; better yet, bring your mother or your kids with you!  Find your legislator here.
  • Contact allied organizations in your area such as PFLAG, local pride committees, open/affirming churches, GSAs (Gay Straight Alliances), straight/allied organizations, or other like-minded groups.  Find allied organizations here.
  • Share information with Indiana Equality Action regarding the events in your part of the state by sending it to info@ieaction.org
  • Share your personal story, anonymously or not, in writing or on video. Share it with us by sending it to info@ieaction.org
  • Attend local meetings sponsored by Indiana Equality Action.

GET INFORMED =GET ACTIVE =GET EQUALITY!

For further information, please contact IEA Board Member Linda Ponterio at linda.ponterio@ieaction.org.