The Indiana House of Representatives recently passed House Joint Resolution 6, a measure designed to amend the state constitution to outlaw gay marriage and the recognition of gay marriages performed in other states. The bill will now go before the Indiana Senate. It is time to tell Indiana not to become the 31st state to outlaw gay marriage.

This is a civil rights issue. The only reasons that could possibly be given for the enactment of this bill are appeal to tradition, either religious or secular, which is an invalid reason given the pluralistic nature of our society (and, in the case of religious tradition, the first amendment), or an appeal to plain bigotry. If passed, Indiana would gain a reputation as a state that does not uphold civil rights for all citizens.

The state of Indiana has no business telling men and women in consensual relationships who they will and will not recognize as being commited to each other. Tell the Indiana Senate to vote "no" when the bill reaches the Senate floor.