HJR-6: Let’s Get Real!
HJR-6 is a proposed amendment to Indiana’s Constitution that seeks to severely limit rights for people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT). HJR-6 states the following:
“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.”
There are many misconceptions surrounding HJR-6. Let’s review perception and reality:
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Perception
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Reality
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It can’t happen here.
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It is happening here. HJR-6 has momentum and is on track to advance.
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HJR-6 is only about gay marriage.
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HJR-6 is about so much more than marriage. HJR-6 would also:
· Bar similar legal structures such as civil unions and would write discrimination into Indiana’s Constitution—an unprecedented act.
· Threaten domestic partnership benefits and wipe out the ability of our future lawmakers to recognize anything remotely resembling marriage for LGBT couples. It could make legal agreements these couples may have concerning, for example, what happens when one party dies, how their joint property is treated, and hospital visitation rights unenforceable because they are “a legal status substantially similar to marriage.”
· Endanger other legal protections for unmarried families, both gay and straight. It has raised considerable concerns among both public and private employers that domestic partnership benefit programs may be invalidated because they are “substantially similar” to those of marriage. This would limit their ability to compete for an educated, talented work force.
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Let Hoosiers vote on gay marriage if the tide really is changing in favor of LGBT equality.
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The language of HJR-6 is vague and unclear. People would be voting on taking away rights, not just on the definition of marriage.
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Lawmakers have their minds clearly made up. Contacting them won’t make any difference. Why try?
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We cannot let the voices of intolerance be the only voices legislators hear. In a representative democracy, people are voted into office to represent the will of their constituents. We have a responsibility to let them know what we, our families, our neighbors and our friends desire.
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The courts are going to declare all such amendments unconstitutional anyway.
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Legal scholars agree that current court cases may take many years to be resolved, and even then may not deal directly with whether state laws and amendments like HJR-6 are unconstitutional. Lawmakers are working to amend Indiana’s Constitution now—we don’t have time to waste!
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I don’t even believe in marriage. I’m never going to get married. This has nothing to do with me.
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Amending the Constitution to take away rights is bigger than any of us. This is about more than marriage--this is about equality.
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Someone else is fighting this battle better than I ever could.
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Your help is needed—this fight is bigger than any person, organization, or group of people. It’s important to engage people in conversation around this amendment, then to follow up with a simple question:
If there is a vote to amend Indiana’s constitution to take away the rights of LGBT people, will you vote against it?
Change happens one conversation, one relationship, and one question at a time.
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HJR-6 101
What has happened so far?
HJR-6 has passed through Indiana’s House and Senate. It is on track to become the first time in Indiana’s history where our Constitution is amended to take away rights rather than to grant them.
What happens next?
HJR-6 must pass through the House and Senate again in 2013 or 2014. 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.
What can we do to Nix Six?
· Call and e-mail your legislators today—now—telling them to, “Nix Six!” Share with them your reasons why this matters.
· Bring up HJR-6 with your family and friends. Lots and lots of good people aren’t 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:
If there is a vote to amend Indiana’s constitution to take away the rights of LGBT people, will you vote against it?
· Ask for what you want. You may be amazed at the result!
· Distribute this document widely, either by email, photocopying and sharing at allied events, posting on social networks, or in whatever other manner helps spread the word. Thank you in advance!
And finally, help support the fight for LGBT equality. Sign up for Indiana Equality Action’s email alerts and consider making a donation to support the tireless efforts in the fight for equality.
Get Informed = Get Active = Get Equality!
ie action, equality and justice for all Hoosiers
Indiana Equality Action · PO Box 20621 · Indianapolis, Indiana 46220-0621
Phone/Fax 888.567.0750 · info@indianaequalityaction.org
www.indianaequalityaction.org