Running Out the Clock

Yesterday's amendment of Indiana HJR 3 is a big deal because it may put off the statewide vote on a Constitutional Amendment to ban gay marriage:

Revising Indiana’s constitution is a long, multi-step process.
If the Senate approves the House version of the resolution, a statewide referendum on the gay marriage ban likely would be delayed until 2016, because a new General Assembly probably would have to approve it again next year.
Supporters of the ban, including Gov. Mike Pence, wanted it on the ballot this November. That could still happen if the Senate restores the second sentence and the House goes along with the change.
The General Assembly passed the amendment, including the civil union ban, in 2011. State law is generally interpreted to require the approval of an identical amendment by separately elected General Assembly before the issue can be put on the statewide ballot for a final decision by the public.
Some, though, have argued the altered version of the ban may still be able to go to a referendum this November.
“Without any case law directly on point, differences of legal opinions undoubtedly will result among private outside lawyers advocating for certain positions,” said Bryan Corbin, press secretary for Attorney General Greg Zoeller.
He said the attorney general will be prepared to “defend the legal authority and decisions” of the legislature.

Clearly, sane Republicans in Indiana can feel the ground shifting under their feet.  If that amendment postpones the statewide vote until 2016, it allows more time for gay marriage opponents to die, and for supporters to turn 18. It would also guarantee a much larger turnout, which would tend to benefit the opponents of the amendment.  It blows me away that the "pro-business" party will go out of its way to ignore the positions of the Fortune 500 companies in their state just to hate on gay folks, supposedly in the name of Jesus.  And like in most other things, Indiana comes to this issue 10 years late.  To be honest, I don't really care what those stupid Hoosiers do, but it is interesting to watch.  The Republican Party-standing athwart history yelling "God hates fags."  That doesn't seem like the path to future electoral success, in my humble opinion.