Indiana Lawmakers Hold Hearing On Proposed Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Hundreds of same-sex marriage activists filled Indiana's House chamber Monday for a hearing on a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage.

The ban's opponents packed a House Judiciary Committee hearing Monday, wearing red to signal their opposition. Other protesters packed the halls outside the House chamber.

The committee will hear testimony and 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 constitution requires votes in two consecutive two-year sessions of the General Assembly and the support of voters. The proposal passed the Legislature in 2011 with little opposition. But a vocal coalition has emerged to oppose the amendment over the last few months.