Gay Marriage Ban Poised for 2nd Ind. House Vote

The Indiana House is poised to take up an altered proposal that would ban gay marriage in the state constitution, while leaving the door open for civil unions and employee benefits for same-sex couples.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers narrowly approved altering the proposed constitutional ban Monday evening to remove language that would ban recognition of anything "similar" to marriage for same-sex couples. That section of the amendment had become a sticking point for many legislators who otherwise support the ban.

But supporters of the proposed ban have sought to keep the measure intact in order to place the measure before voters this November. The House could vote on the altered ban as soon as Tuesday. If it clears the House, the measure would then head to the Senate.