In one of the most controversial Indiana legislative actions in recent memory, the Indiana Senate voted on Monday, Feb. 21 to make a ban on same-sex marriages part of the state Constitution.

Opponents of the ban were mauled, 42-8. Only Anita Bowser (D), Michigan City; Billie Breaux (D), Indianapolis; John Broden (D), South Bend; Glenn Howard (D), Indianapolis; Tim Lanane (D), Anderson; Earline Rogers, (D), Gary; Vi Simpson (D), Ellettsville; and Sam Smith (D), East Chicago voted against it.

Next, the House is set to vote on the Resolution Tuesday, March 8. If passed, which is expected, a separately-elected Legislature will cast a second vote after the next state House and Senate elections.

Though same-sex marriage is already illegal in Indiana, if passed, the amendment (SJR-7) would be a step toward preventing future court challenges. The amendment also contains language that could prevent courts from affording certain benefits to all unmarried couples.

It looks like SJR-7 doesn’t need any support, but attorney and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Eric Miller and his organization, Advance America, have scheduled a support rally inside the Rotunda at the Statehouse at 12 p.m. on March 8. “Traditional marriage is the foundation of every society,” Miller states on his rally flyer. “Banning same-sex marriages and civil unions will prove to be the greatest moral battle of this generation.”

But the gay and lesbian community and its supporters are fighting back. Indiana citizen Pepper Partin has organized “Rock Indiana!” a rally against Miller’s Advance America support rally. “Rock Indiana!” is scheduled for March 8 at 11:30 on the east steps of the Statehouse. Partin hopes for a large turnout. “I’ve issued a wrap-around challenge,” she said. “I have a good feeling that we’re going to get at least 1,000 people.” The “wrap-around” challenges the rally group to literally wrap around the entire Statehouse in what Partin hopes will be a silent protest. “We just want to make a presence.”

The “Rock Indiana!” rally group will not be alone in its efforts. According to Partin, several other groups, including the nationally-known Americans United for Separation of Church and State, will also be in attendance.

“[Miller] is the new face of extremism,” Partin said. “It comes from ignorance. People don’t understand that this isn’t a lifestyle. There’s a new wave of heterosexual supremacy. Just because he doesn’t have the hood or the swastika doesn’t mean he’s not an extremist.”

While Advance America claims fighting the “homosexual agenda” is a moral battle, Partin believes that supporters of SJR-7 are overlooking the economic ramifications. She says that if the amendment passes, many homosexual professionals will leave Indiana in favor of a more liberal state. “If [homosexuals] contribute to the economy and they start leaving, how does that not impact the economy?” she said. “If you think that modern day ghost towns can’t be created, look at Flint, Mich.”

Despite numerous phone calls, e-mails and a personal office visit, as of NUVO press time neither Eric Miller nor any other representative from Advance America was available for comment. For more information on Advance America and the SJR-7 support rally, visit www.advanceamerica.com.

For more information on “Rock Indiana!” visit www.stopthebigots.com.

In other news, photographer Jack Hartigan has an exhibit which opens on March 8, with an opening reception from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., during the opposing rallies. Hartigan’s photography is centered around civil rights politics and gay issues. Hartigan’s exhibition will take place at the Cultural Arts Gallery at IUPUI in the University College Building. The closest available parking is at the Natatorium and the University Place Hotel & Conference Center. For more information on Jack Hartigan’s exhibition and reception, call 317-274-3931.

On March 7, one day before the rallies, author of SJR-7 Sen. Brandt Hershmann (R) and SJR-7 opponent Rep. David Orentlicher (D) will conduct a discussion forum, which will attempt to answer several questions concerning the ban. The discussion will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Wynne Courtroom at the IU School of Law on the IUPUI campus. For more information call 317-274-8990.