Indy Chamber Joins Statewide Effort to Oppose HJR-6

Indy Chamber News Archives

Proposed amendment would weaken state's ability to attract talent, business

INDIANAPOLIS (October 22, 2013) – The Indy Chamber announced today it will join the movement against HJR-6, the proposed amendment that would permanently alterthe Indiana Constitution to define marriage and would remove existing protections under law for same-sex and unmarried couples and families.

“The Indy Chamber is in the business of strengthening our economy and attracting top talent to our region,” said John Thompson, Chair, Indy Chamber Board of Directors. “The proposed marriage amendment does nothing to help show the nation that Indiana is a place that welcomes all, not just some, and we must be mindful of how actions such as this will impact our competitiveness on a national and global level.”

No one has been able to clearly define what effects the amendment would have on existing marriages, employer-provided family benefits, human rights ordinances, legal contracts and other protections for all unmarried couples. 

Opposition to the amendment is bipartisan and statewide, drawing support from lawmakers, advocatesfor liberty, faith leaders and others. Two of Indiana's largest employers, Eli Lilly and Company and Cummins, also have stated their opposition to the amendment because it will harm the state's economy and prevent job creators from recruiting top talent to Indiana.

Indy Chamber leadership recognizes that the amendment would duplicate existing Indiana law, which already defines marriage between one man and one woman. The amendment is a distraction from building momentum in the state legislature to address economic and workforce development challenges in the Indianapolis region and across the state.
 
“Indiana has set the standard for being a state with a strong, stable economy, one which attracts and retains some of the world’s top talent. The passage of HJR-6 would be a major step backward in this mission,” said Thompson. “Legislative proposals in coming years should only serve to strengthen our economy, not weaken our appeal.”

The position against HJR-6 was drafted at the direction of Indy Chamber council and executive committee leadership and received executive committee support today. 

In the coming 2014 legislative session, the Indy Chamber’s business advocacy team will work in partnership alongside other business, faith and community organizations to defeat HJR-6 at the Statehouse and, if necessary, to participate in any voter referendum on the issue.

To view the complete position statement click here. 

About the Indy Chamber
The Indy Chamber is the voice of progress and improvement for the Indianapolis region's business community. With membership of nearly 3,000 businesses representing 230,000 employees in the Indianapolis region, the Indy Chamber is leading the effort to strengthen the business climate, improve the state of education, revitalize neighborhoods and enhance the region's workforce. In 2012, the Indy Chamber merged with Indy Partnership, Develop Indy, and Business Ownership Initiative. For more information about the Indy Chamber, visit www.indychamber.com.

Media Contact:
Molly Deuberry (317) 442-1757 or [email protected]