GUEST EDITORIALS: 'Not welcome' sign for Indiana

Forty-six years ago, Indiana lawmakers repealed a state law banning interracial marriage, just two years before the U.S. Supreme Court declared such laws unconstitutional. On Tuesday, the Indiana House began the process of prohibiting marriage for same-sex couples, throwing in a ban on civil unions and common-law marriage for bad measure.

The backward move is an early, unprecedented step in amending the Indiana Constitution to take rights away from Hoosiers. The state should not take even one more step in that direction.

The Republican-controlled House debated for just 30 minutes before adopting House Joint Resolution 6, with the unexpected support of former House Speaker Patrick Bauer, D-South Bend.

Its approval is likely in the GOP-controlled Senate.

As a constitutional amendment, it must be approved a second time in a separately elected session of the General Assembly before the question goes before Indiana voters.

Never mind that the state already has a law prohibiting same-sex marriage. Lawmakers apparently want to make a louder declaration.

Their failed attempt to pass the constitutional amendment in 2006 was revived with new language constitutionally banning not only same-sex marriage but also civil unions and common-law marriages between a man and woman.

The unintended consequences are limitless life-long partners banned from hospital rooms, child-custody challenges and more.

In the meantime, a state still suffering from nearly double-digit unemployment sends the message that it is willing to discriminate against a certain class of residents.

Calls for investment and jobs here will be offered on the condition that gay or lesbian employees shouldn't expect the same rights as their heterosexual co-workers.

Some of the state's major employers will find their job offers spurned by talented individuals who choose to live in more tolerant cities.

Gay and lesbian young people who were born, raised and educated in Indiana will hear the message that they are unwelcome here and that they never will be afforded the rights of other Hoosiers.

The efforts of other states to draw the creative class and the vibrant quality of life that young entrepreneurs, artists and others bring will be bolstered at Indiana's expense.

Amendment proponents, including House sponsor P. Eric Turner of Cicero, offer no sound argument on its behalf.

"The basic unit of society is the family, and the cornerstone of the family is marriage," Turner said. "Marriage is and should be between one man and one woman."

A society that denies rights to a certain class of citizens is one that shouldn't expect to thrive and prosper, particularly when its policymakers ignore pressing economic challenges in denying those rights.

Tell the Indiana Senate so before it moves the resolution any closer to approval.

- The (Fort Wayne) Journal Gazette | Feb. 17

Vaccination best way to exterminate flu bug

The recent flu outbreak is widespread in Indiana and 10 other states, although this year's virus is not as threatening as those seen in past years, according to state and federal health officials.

Four people have died in Indiana, but Indiana State Department of Health epidemiologist Shawn Richards said the strains seen this year have not been as severe, and there is no one strain responsible for all the deaths.

The two most recent flu deaths in Indiana happened during the last week of January. One was a child younger than 4, and the other was a child whose age was between 5 and 18, the Department of Health reported on its website. States don't have to report flu deaths in people older than 18 to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so it wasn't immediately clear how this year compares to previous ones.

The change in status from a regional outbreak to widespread for Indiana and other states was based on CDC data for the number of flulike illnesses seen at designated clinics. Symptoms of flu include a fever of 100 degrees or greater and upper-respiratory symptoms such as a cough.

This year has seen the spread of several different viruses, including the swine flu known formally as Type A H1N1 and influenza B, rather than one dominant strain. Health officials said no new strains have turned up.

State health data show the bulk of the most recent flu cases affected people who were 5 to 24. Richards said that's not surprising since there's been more flu at universities. The close quarters characteristic of many college residence halls allow the virus to spread more quickly, she said.

The best protection against the flu is to get vaccinated and to wash hands frequently. Unlike some years, there is no shortage of vaccine. Also, it is not too late in the flu season to get the shot. While getting vaccinated can't guarantee you won't get the flu, the shot likely would reduce the severity of any resulting illness.

It also helps if people stay home when they're sick and cover their mouths and nose when they cough or sneeze.

The flu season is only about half over, and the battle against the disease will continue for a few months. Getting vaccinated and washing your hands are the best weapons in this fight.

- (Franklin) Daily Journal | Feb. 15