Constitutional ban on gay marriage, civil unions may dominate upcoming legislature

The main attraction will be the fight over a constitutional ban on gay marriage and civil unions, which could surpass education issues and a proposed major business tax cut.

“I just really don’t know what to expect,” said Rep. Dan Leonard, R-Huntington. “I really wish we didn’t have to deal with it.”

If lawmakers pass the ban, Hoosiers will get the final say at the ballot box in November.

Though he supported the constitutional measure in 2011, Leonard said constituents have deluged him on the topic both for and against. So this year he has refused to commit either way until hearing the testimony and casting his vote.

The survey he sent to voters in his district years ago showed support as high as 78 percent for putting the ban on gay marriage in the constitution. Last year it had dropped to 52 percent support and 48 percent oppose.

Leonard said he would commit to voting yes if the second sentence weren’t included.