Soliday license plate plan wins House approval

INDIANAPOLIS | It took an extra year, but the Indiana House on Tuesday voted 92-6 for a plan by state Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, intended to bring order to the state's special group license plates.

House panel unanimously OKs Soliday license plate proposal

INDIANAPOLIS | It turns out a region lawmaker's proposal to overhaul the process for issuing special group license plates isn't so controversial after all.

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Soliday delays House vote on license plate plan

INDIANAPOLIS | A second attempt by state Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, to impose order on the process for issuing special group license plates ran into a temporary roadblock Wednesday over the issue of gay pride.

Valpo lawmaker seeks order in state's riot of license plates

INDIANAPOLIS | If Forrest Gump were to survey the backs of Hoosier vehicles he might say an Indiana license plate is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're gonna get.

The Cast of "Hit the Wall" by The Inconvenience in Spring 2012 at Steppenwolf Theatre

Manny Buckley (left) plays Carson and Daniel Desmaris (seated far right) plays "Newbie" with musicians Josh Lambert, Ryan Murphy and Will Wood shown in the background in The Inconvenience production of "Hit the Wall," by Ike Holtert and directed by Eric Hoff as part of Steppenwolf Theatre Co…

OFFBEAT: The Inconvenience run of 'Hit the Wall' at Steppenwolf's Garage Rep Playful and Important

Phil Potempa's daily entertainment news column.

Lawsuits filed in state fair stage collapse

MERRILLVILLE | Attorney Kenneth Allen is seeking more than damages through lawsuits filed in the Aug. 13 Indiana State Fair stage collapse. Allen also wants to improve equality for gays and lesbians in Indiana and change the state's $5 million liability damage cap

EDITORIAL: Don't alter constitution over trip to altar

Indiana law defines marriage as between a man and a woman, the traditional definition. Not content with a mere state law, a Senate committee voted last week to write that definition into the state's constitution.

Gay marriage debate pits social conservatives against businesses

INDIANAPOLIS | The tension between the social conservatives and the business interests that comprise the modern Republican Party was on display Wednesday as an Indiana Senate committee debated whether to add the state's existing ban on gay marriage to the Indiana Constitution.

Hundreds protest proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage

INDIANAPOLIS | Proudly carrying rainbow flags and chanting "Nix Six," more than 400 Hoosiers rallied on the Statehouse lawn Monday in opposition to a proposal adding the existing ban on gay marriage to the Indiana Constitution.

"Should gay couples be given the same rights as straight couples?"

Region residents speak out on gay rights

"Should gay couples be given the same rights as straight couples?"

Susan Simko, South Heaven | "Yes. It's everybody's choice, even in marriage. I don't approve of it, but everyone has a right to fill a human need."

"Should gay couples be given the same rights as straight couples?"

Vern Engel, Portage | "To a degree, but not marriage. A civil union only. It would provide the same rights as a straight married couple."

"Should gay couples be given the same rights as straight couples?"

Clareine Little, Hazel Crest | "I think they're entitled with rights like anybody else as long as it doesn't affect anyone else."

"Should gay couples be given the same rights as straight couples?"

Debbie Chalifoux, Hebron | "Yes, that's their choice. It's a free country, and we should go with their feelings. We are who we are. I pass no judgments. If you're happy, do what you want."

"Should gay couples be given the same rights as straight couples?"

Lisa Downey, Chesterton | "Yes, definitely. It should be for any couple that wants to spend their lives together."

"Should gay couples be given the same rights as straight couples?"

J. R. Heuring, Hobart | "They should have the same rights. It's human nature to treat people the way you want to be treated. People should be judged by their character, not their sexual preference."

"Should gay couples be given the same rights as straight couples?"

Region residents speak out on gay rights

Ill. House approves civil unions for gay couples

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | The Illinois House has narrowly approved civil unions, which would offer gay couples legal recognition and some of the benefits of marriage.