Illinois Same-Sex Marriage OK Could Influence Indiana Debate

Opponents of a push to amend Indiana's gay marriage ban into the state constitution say adjacent Illinois' approval of same-sex marriage could help their cause.

Indiana same-sex marriage amendment opponent Rick Sutton of Indiana Equality Action said the Illinois legislature's approval of the gay marriage bill is a "monumental'' victory. He told The Indianapolis Star that Illinois' move could boost gay-rights advocates fighting Indiana's proposed amendment. 

But amendment supporter Curt Smith of the Indiana Family Institute said he predicts Indiana will feel little effect from Illinois' pending law, which awaits Gov. Pat Quinn's signature.

Illinois is set to join 14 other states and the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex marriage. Indiana's other bordering states, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky, all ban same-sex marriage in their constitutions.