Indiana Mayors Dead Against Cementing Ban For Gay Marriage

A bipartisan group of Indiana mayors including those of some of the state's largest cities are speaking out against cementing Indiana's ban on gay marriage in the state constitution.

The mayors of West Lafayette, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend and Hammond were among those opposing the proposed constitutional ban Tuesday because they said it would hurt their cities economically and deny equal rights to same-sex couples.

West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis released a statement to Freedom Indiana opposing HJR-6.

"The City of West Lafayette prides itself on being a diverse, tolerant and welcoming community. For years we have been a state-wide leader in celebrating our diversity and ensuring that all our citizens are treated with respect. Because of this guiding philosophy, West Lafayette and the Greater Lafayette community has celebrated having over a billion dollars of the new investment for 2013. HJR-6 sends the wrong message for our city, for our community and for our state," said Dennis.

The other 10 mayors announced their opposition in statements distributed by Freedom Indiana, a coalition of business groups and individuals fighting the amendment.

Executive director Micah Clark of the pro-amendment American Family Association of Indiana tells The Indianapolis Star he hasn't asked any mayors to support it.

Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said Tuesday night he is opposed to the amendment.