Miller The Hypocrite Attacks Lawmakers For Vote Against SJR-7

The twice married and childless Grand Dragon of Moral Righteousness Eric Miller lashed out at Democratic lawmakers who voted yesterday against SJR-7. "This vote was a vote against marriage," Miller, founder of Advance America, a conservative group and lead supporter of the amendment told the Star's Bill Ruthhart. "Every single one of the representatives that voted no voted for same-sex marriages in the state of Indiana."

Miller saved his harshest criticsm, however, for House Speaker Pat Bauer, who he accused of breaking his promise to allow the House to vote on the amendment and orchestrating the amendment's defeat. "Speaker Bauer orchestrated this today, because he knew if all 100 representatives voted on it, the vast majority would have supported it just as they did in 2005," Miller said. "The defeat today of this amendment lies squarely at the feet of Speaker Bauer."
Bauer disputes that assertion, noting he allowed the legislative process to run its course and faulting the proponents for refusing to amend a flawed amendment. "If they really wanted to ban gay marriage in the constitution, I think that would have flown through," Bauer said. "But they went too far when they put in that second section and its uncertainty." "Why put uncertainty in the constitution when you can fix it? They refused to fix it."

Let's be clear on one point. A vote against SJR-7 does not translate into a vote for same-sex marriage as Miller falsely claims. Same-sex marriages are still against the law today in Indiana just like they were yesterday before the vote on SJR-7. The proponents were clearly afforded the opportunity to limit the reach of their amendment to a simple definition of marriage, but they insisted on their flawed language, because as we now know, they really want to do more than deny same-sex couples the right to marry. And Miller has a lot of nerve accusing legislators who took their wedding vows seriously--til death do we part--as voting against marriage. Both he and SJR-7's author, Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) are divorced and married for the second time. As it always seems to be with these fundies, do as I say and not as I do.

While Miller says he hasn't given up on an effort to revive the amendment yet this session, but Rep. Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City), chairman of the Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee has declared it dead for the session. The amendment has another shot at making the ballot in 2008 when lawmakers return for their 2008 session. If it is approved by both houses next year in its current form, it will definitely be on the ballot. Debate remains over whether an amended version of the amendment, such as minus the second paragraph, could be submitted to voters in 2008, or whether the process would restart, requiring a subsequent General Assembly to approve the amendment.

Sen. Hershman acknowledged to the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette's Niki Kelly that he was caught off guard by yesterday's vote in the House. “For all intent and purpose, they just killed the amendment,” said Sen. Brandt Hershman, R-Monticello – the author of the Senate Joint Resolution 7. “I had no idea it was going to happen. “I won’t speak to the motive of any legislators. Obviously, I disagree with this outcome, but ultimately this will be between the legislators and their constituents.”