IU Health latest to voice opposition to marriage amendment

Indiana University Health on Tuesday joined a growing list of businesses and organizations proclaiming public opposition to a proposed state amendment that would reinforce Indiana’s ban on same-sex marriage.

IU Health, the city's largest health care provider and the state’s fourth-largest employer with about 26,000 workers, said it was taking the position for health-related reasons.

“Research has demonstrated that unequal treatment of same-sex couples … adversely impacts their health and well-being,” IU Health said in a prepared statement. “As a leading health care provider in this state, IU Health must support efforts that reduce disparities and improve the overall health and well-being of its patients, their families and the community.”

IU Health joins Eli Lilly and Co., Cummins Inc. and Emmis Communications Corp. as major employers opposing the amendment.

Indiana University, Ball State University, Butler University, DePauw University and several other colleges also have voiced opposition.

State lawmakers will begin considering the same-sex marriage ban in January. Supporters of limiting marriage to one man and one woman say a constitutional amendment is needed to keep the courts from legalizing gay marriage in Indiana.

Lawmakers began the lengthy process of placing the ban in the constitution in 2011. The ban won overwhelming support from Democrats and Republicans last time around.

If lawmakers sign off a second time on the legislation, it would be placed on the ballot for voters to consider next November.

Thirty states have constitutional amendments banning legal recognition of same-sex marriage and five others ban it by law.