Indiana State Rep. Breaks With Republicans on Marriage Ban

When Republican State Rep. Jon Elrod (left) of Indiana refused to sign an anti-gay petition, people noticed. Out of 49 Republicans in the Indiana House, Elrod was the only one who did not sign the petition demanding a floor vote on an amendment that would make marriages for gay and lesbian couples, already illegal, also unconstitutional. In fact, Elrod has stated that he is willing to become the first Hoosier Republican legislator to vote against a marriage ban, even as he runs for a congressional seat in a special election to be held March 11.

During its first go-around, the amendment passed the Senate last year, but it died in the House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee. The Republican-controlled Senate approved the amendment again this January, but it is currently stalled in the House, where it must pass before coming up for a popular vote. Elrod’s fellow Republicans have said this stance on the marriage ban puts him at odds with his party, and bloggers have christened him a “fake Republican.”

A reporter for The Indianapolis Star recently contemplated that Elrod “leaves you wondering whether [he] just enjoys sticking a thumb in the eye of the establishment.” To others familiar with Elrod, his stance against the marriage ban might not be much of a surprise. Elrod himself has criticized the Republican Party’s emphasis on social issues over economic issues: “As long as they got fired up about the definition of marriage amendment or the Terri Schiavo case, that was fine—then you could spend whatever it is you want to spend.”

The Indianapolis Star’s latest article calls Elrod “his own conservative” in the article’s headline. This characterization of Elrod represents a turning point in the media. Not only are opponents of anti-gay legislation garnering media coverage, but their stances are also receiving thoughtful analysis. The Indianapolis Star made the distinction between being politically conservative and being anti-gay. Coverage like this gives advocates hope that we can begin to break down stereotypes and change hearts and minds about our lives and our issues, regardless of politics.

h/t Log Cabin Republicans

Paul Karr is the Director of Media Field Strategy.