INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Supporters and opponents of a proposed ban on gay marriage are making their cases to members of the House Judiciary Committee.
 
Republican Rep. Eric Turner of Cicero submitted the proposed amendment last week and defended it before the House panel Monday morning. Opponents of the ban said it would hurt businesses' efforts to recruit top talent.
 
Activists with Freedom Indiana cheered in the hallway outside the House as amendment opponents testified.
 
The committee is hearing testimony and will then vote on the proposed amendment and companion legislation. Indiana already bans gay marriage in state law. But supporters of the amendment say it would strengthen that ban against potential court challenges.
 
Altering the state constitution requires votes in two consecutive two-year sessions of the General Assembly and the support of voters.