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Alabama woman works to help returning citizens rebuild their lives; Marist polls: Harris leads Trump in Michigan, Wisconsin; they're tied in Pennsylvania; UAW contract negotiations at VW focus on healthcare, safety, wages; NC dentists warn of crisis due to low Medicaid reimbursement rates.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Freedom To Marry: Battle Won, But More to Do in Indiana

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Tuesday, February 2, 2016   

INDIANAPOLIS - The goal of the campaign known as "Freedom to Marry" was simple: to allow a couple to legally dedicate their lives to each other regardless of their sexual persuasion.

The group's founder, Evan Wolfson, says he's been campaigning for it for more than three decades. He says today, although it's legal in the United States, there are some states where gay people are not treated equally under the law, including Indiana.

The problem, he says, isn't with the people who live here.

"We've seen the business community really express strong support for non-discrimination protection, and we've seen others across the state speak out," he says. "But the governor and parts of the legislature seem really mired in the past, and are not doing Indianans any favors."

Lawmakers are debating this session whether further protections are needed for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. There is a bill under consideration, but it leaves transgender individuals out of the equation.

Wolfson says everyone needs to feel protected where they work, where they live, and when they go out to eat or to the theater. In some parts of the country, they do, but he says that isn't the case in Indiana.

"We've taken a mighty step forward, the country has really moved ahead, public opinion is growing in support," he says. "But the law is not yet where it needs to be, and we have to continue the work."

Wolfson adds although the Freedom to Marry campaign is over, his group will continue to push for civil-rights protections, and also will offer help to other countries that want to be like America and make same-sex marriage legal.

"People getting a chance to see loving and committed couples, understand better who gay couples are," says Wolfson. "Have the images of joy and security, and dignity and respect, and allow that to do its' work of changing hearts and minds."




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