Indiana House Panel Delays Vote on Gay Marriage Ban

The House Judiciary Committee has delayed a vote on a proposal to amend Indiana's constitution to ban gay marriage.

Chairman Greg Steuerwald (STUR'-wawld) delayed the vote Monday following more than three hours of testimony from supporters and opponents. He said afterward that witnesses for both sides made compelling arguments.

The proposed amendment would ban gay marriage and anything "similar" to gay marriage. Supporters and opponents disagree on whether the proposal would also bar benefits for same-sex couples.

Supporters of the amendment said Monday that it was needed to protect against any court decisions overturning the existing state ban on gay marriage.

But opponents testified that Indiana's national and global image is suffering. Executives with Eli Lilly and Co. and Cummins Inc. spoke of their trouble attracting talent to the state.