The opening bell of the legislative session in Indianapolis Monday has House Democrats call for a two-year moratorium on social issues - including talk of a ban on same sex marriage in Indiana - saying divisive issues will only get in the way of job creation and passing a state budget.
But a prominent House Republican says he won't be deterred, pledging on the first day of the new General Assembly to press for a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage in the Hoosier state.
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma is unwilling to place a moratorium on any type of legislation, but stresses specific social issues are not part of the official House Republican agenda.
Typically some 1,500 bills are filed on a wide range of subjects during the average session, and Minority Leader Scott Pelath of Michigan City acknowledges that if the Republicans decide to go that route - there's little more that his side can do but stand and watch, as they're in such a minority that the House can do business, even if no Democrats show up.