Indianapolis Chamber Joins Gay Marriage Ban Fight

The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce says it will oppose the upcoming push in the state Legislature to add a gay marriage ban to the Indiana constitution.

Indianapolis chamber president John Thompson says the proposed amendment doesn't present Indiana as a welcoming place and could hurt the state's competitiveness. The Indianapolis Star reports (http://indy.st/Hd5zGA ) that chamber's board voted to take the position Tuesday.

The statewide Indiana Chamber of Commerce has said it will remain neutral on the amendment, while Columbus-based engine manufacturer Cummins Inc. and Indianapolis drug maker Eli Lilly and Co. are among the backers of a coalition working against it.

Republican leaders say the Legislature will vote next year on whether to put the amendment on the November 2014 statewide ballot.