Indiana: Possible marriage equality constitutional ban ahead

A constitutional amendment on marriage equality could come up for a vote in the Indiana legislature as soon as Monday.

Not only would the proposed amendment to the state constitution ban same-sex marriage, it would outlaw civil unions by stating that a legal status "substantially similar" to marriage for unmarried people is not valid.

If passed in both branches of the Indiana legislature this year, it would have to pass again in 2013-2014 before it could reach voters.

Chances are strong that it will pass since both houses of the legislature are controlled by Republicans.

Governor Mitch Daniels originally wanted the legislature to focus on the economy in this session and leave social issues alone for now.