One  city mayor in the Cornfield does not agree with moves by the Indiana  State Legislature to put a constitutional amendment before the people in  2014 that will enshrine a ban on same-gender marriages as well as civil  unions and domestic partnerships. To show his disapproval, Bloomington  Mayor Mark Kruzan plans to "marry" a number of same-gender couples at 10  p.m. (ET) tonight.

While  the Mayor's "marriages" will not be legal, the ceremonies are a  significant symbolic protest. The state already has in place a law that  does not allow marriage, civil union or domestic partnership for  same-gender couples in the Hoosier State. But times they are a'changin'.  A recent poll found a slim majority in favor of allowing some type of  legal recognition for same-gender couples.

Perhaps  in part in response to the Mayor's planned action tonight and in part  because the US Supreme Court is hearing arguments seeking to declare the  1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional, Indiana Senate  Majority Leader David Long said the Legislature may not consider the  proposed amendment, which passed the 2012 session, during the 2013  session. Long said it may not be addressed until 2014. Of course  depending the outcome in the Supreme Court which will hear the  challenges to DOMA in March, any action by the Indiana State Legislature  may be moot.

Reportedly  at least six Bloomington City Council members will join the Mayor for  the ceremonies tonight which coincide with the city's LGBTQ Film  Festival's 10th anniversary. In addition, it is reputed a number of area  clergy will also be on hand for the protest marriages.

From  the Cornfield, it is time for Indiana to step into the 21st Century and  provide equality for all its citizens. Whether marriage, civil union or  domestic partnership, every couple without regard to gender or  sexuality should be afforded the same legal recognition, rights and  benefits under the law.

For more information:

http://wthr.com/story/20763046/bloomington-mayor-planning-same-sex-wedding

http://indystar.com/article/20130131/NEWS/130131017/Bloomington-mayor-preside-over-mass-wedding-ceremony-same-sex-couples-tonight

http://wishtv.com/dpp/news/politics/state_politics/gay-marriage-debate-may-be-on-hold