In Protest of Proposed Amendment, Bloomingon Mayor to Conduct Same-Sex Wedding

The mayor of Bloomington, Ind., plans to conduct a wedding ceremony for more than a dozen gay and lesbian couples this week to protest a proposed state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.

The ceremony Thursday in Bloomington, presided over by Mayor Mark Kruzan, coincides with a local lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender film festival.     It was first reported by the Indianapolis Star.

Local clergy and other city officials are expected to attend.

Legislators approved a constitutional ban in 2011, but it must be approved again and voters would have to pass a referendum before it takes effect. Two ban bills were introduced in the Indiana House last week, but their future is unclear.

Critics say a constitutional amendment is unnecessary because same-sex marriage is already illegal under current Indiana law.    Supporters say the amendment would make it more difficult for the law to be overturned by activist judges.