GOP platform debate in Indiana focuses on gay marriage

It was the third and final hearing across the state before party leaders consider any changes to what amounts to the party’s conscience. Any changes will be presented at the party’s state convention this summer in Indianapolis.

The platform committee, which included Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese, heard nearly two hours of testimony during a meeting in downtown Elkhart on Wednesday.

The topics of gay marriage and religious freedom dominated the testimony from a mix of party insiders, concerned residents and at least one representative from Indiana’s corporate business community.

Almost all of the conversation involved social issues, and comments on the marriage plank were nearly balanced between those who want to retain language limiting the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman and those who wish to revise the wording.

Among those attending the meeting were tea party activists Monica Boyer and Kelly Havens, State Reps. Curt Nisly and Tim Wesco, and Elkhart City Council member Mary Olson.

Most of the debate centered on the marriage plank. Others expressed concern with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act enacted into law in 2015 that allows businesses to cite religious freedom as a legal defense against having to provide service to customers.