IU Health Speaks Out Against Marriage Amendment
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana University Health is joining a group of universities and corporations in opposition to a proposed constitutional amendment that would further define marriage in the state. The health care provider is urging legislators to focus on job creation and says unequal treatment of same-sex couples has been proven to “adversely” affect their health and well-being. November 26, 2013
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Today Indiana University Health announced its opposition to HJR 6 – the proposed amendment that would permanently alter the definition of marriage within the Indiana Constitution and would permanently impact the rights of same-sex and unmarried couples. IU Health joins fellow community leaders including Indiana University, Cummins, Inc., DePauw University, Emmis Communications, the Indy Chamber, Eli Lilly and Company, and Wabash College in this effort to defeat the proposed amendment.
Research has demonstrated that unequal treatment of same-sex couples – including the prohibition of civil unions or domestic partnerships – adversely impacts their health and well-being. As a leading healthcare provider in this state, IU Health must support efforts that reduce disparities and improve the overall health and well-being of its patients, their families and the community.
“With Indiana law already defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman, permanently altering our Constitution to further define marriage should not be a priority this legislative session,” said Daniel F. Evans, Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer, Indiana University Health. “Instead, our elected leaders should focus on ensuring access to healthcare for all Hoosiers, growing our economy and creating jobs. IU Health is committed to the health and economic well-being of our communities: we challenge our policymakers to do the same.”
“I welcome IU Health's decision to stand against a bill that will take Indiana down the road toward creating an environment that is less than welcoming for all Hoosiers,” said Indiana University President Michael A. McRobbie, who also is a member of the IU Health Board of Directors. “Like IU Health and our other partners on this issue, we support the efforts of our state leaders to focus on initiatives that will improve the health, educational opportunities, career prospects, and quality of life for every Hoosier, regardless of their race, age, gender, religion or sexual orientation.”
About Indiana University Health
Named among the “Best Hospitals in America” by U.S. News & World Report for 16 consecutive years, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation's leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Discover the strength at iuhealth.org.
Source: Indiana University Health