Gay marriage debate may be on hold

WISH TV

Updated: Jan 31, 2013 5:05 PM

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — There may be no gay marriage debate in the Indiana General Assembly this year.  Leaders may postpone it until 2014.

Senate GOP Leader David Long says consideration of a permanent ban on gay marriage has been delayed until now. 

"You know, we have other critical issues to address," he said.  "We wanted to put our focus on that. The time is coming to come to a decision on (gay marriage.")  A joint announcement by Long and Speaker Brian Bosma is scheduled for late next week.

One factor in the decision is a case now pending in the Supreme Court. 

"I think it's inadvisable to move forward with the United States Supreme Court having the question before it," said Speaker Bosma, "but I'm not making that decision by myself and talking to folks on both sides of the issue and receiving their opinions as well."

If the proposed gay marriage ban passes in either 2013 or 2014 there will be a statewide referendum on the issue in Nov. 2014.

Copyright 2013 WISH TV. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Political Pulse

We welcome your thoughtful comments. Be the first to participate in the discussion. All comments will display your username and avatar.