INDIANAPOLIS — State lawmakers took the first step Monday toward writing a same-sex marriage ban into Indiana's Constitution.
On an 8-4 vote, an Indiana House panel approved a measure that would make it much more difficult for the General Assembly to repeal a law already on the state's books that limits marriage to a man and a woman.
It also would forbid any other sort of legal recognition of a same-sex relationship similar to marriage, such as a civil union.
Republican lawmakers have pushed in recent years for such a gay marriage ban. Though it has easily passed the GOP-led state Senate each year, it consistently has died in the House, where Democrats held the majority before November's elections.
Now that Republicans have eliminated that roadblock by retaking control of the chamber, some members believe this is the best shot a constitutional gay marriage ban has had in years.
Lawmakers sent their first bill to Gov. Mitch Daniels' desk Monday, giving final passage to a measure that would allow counties to ditch traditional precincts in favor of centralized polling locations.
On a 68-28 vote, the House approved Senate Bill 32, which allows Tippecanoe, Cass and Wayne counties to continue a pilot "vote centers" program they have operated in recent years and allows other counties to make the change, as well.
"It is not a mandate, and it has been very successful in three counties," said Rep. Sheila Klinker, D-Lafayette.
Since the same version of the bill has now passed both chambers, it now awaits only the approval of the governor.
Supporters say vote centers increase the convenience of casting ballots while decreasing the cost of holding elections.
Opponents, though, say they make voting tougher for those who lack transportation.