Despite the fact that same-sex marriage is not allowed in the state of Indiana the Republican party has led a successful effort to amended the state criminal code to either make it a crime, or confirm that it remains a crime, for clergy to conduct weddings for gay couples.

The amendment to the criminal code, goes into effect on July 1, 2014, makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of $1,000 for clergy “solemnize” a marriage of two men or two women.

IC 31-11-11-7
Solemnization of marriage between persons prohibited from marrying
Sec. 7. A person who knowingly solemnizes a marriage of individuals who are prohibited from marrying by IC 31-11-1 commits a Class B misdemeanor.
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.3.

The amended criminal code also addresses gay couples that apply for a marriage license at the county clerk and makes it a Level 6 felony for same sex couples to apply for one.

While the Catholic Church does not perform same sex marriages many faiths including  reformed Judaism, Evangelical Lutherans, Episcopalians, and the United Church of Christ, among others do.

The  anti-LGBT,  anti-black,  anti-women, anti-Latino, and anti-human GOP is now threatening to throw clergy into jail.

First they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for the Communists and I did not speak out because I was not a Communist.

Then they came for the trade unionists and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me –

 Pastor Niemoller WWII Nazi Germany

Don’t fool yourself people.  It’s happening again.

Substitute Blacks for Jews in Line 1. – Latinos for Communist in Line 2 – LGBT for trade unionist in Line 3. (Although Unions are still under attack. Some things never change.)

I rest my case.