Indiana Lawmakers Debate Immigration Bill's Impact on Marriage Equality

SB 76 raises concerns about potential threats to interracial marriages in the state

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Indiana's Senate Bill 76, an immigration enforcement bill, has sparked debate among lawmakers about its potential impact on marriage equality in the state. Democratic Representative Maureen Bauer expressed concerns that the language in the bill could be used to restrict or interfere with interracial marriages, despite Supreme Court rulings protecting such unions. Bauer offered an amendment to affirm that no governmental body can deny, restrict, or interfere with the right to marry based on race, color, ethnicity, or national origin, but it was blocked.

Why it matters

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration policy and civil rights, as lawmakers navigate the complex intersection of these issues. The potential threat to marriage equality, a fundamental right, raises concerns about the broader implications of the immigration bill and the need to protect the rights of all Hoosiers, regardless of their background.

The details

During a committee hearing on SB 76, a testimony from Ryan Neuhaus of the Mass Deportation Coalition sparked frustration among lawmakers. Neuhaus used the term "mixing of populations" and defined "people" as "Americans and Aliens" or non-citizens. This language raised alarm bells for Representative Bauer and others, who believe the bill's language could be used to undermine interracial marriages. Bauer offered an amendment to affirm the state's recognition of interracial marriages, but it was blocked.

  • The committee hearing on SB 76 took place on February 2, 2026.
  • Bauer offered the amendment to protect interracial marriages on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Maureen Bauer

A Democratic representative in the Indiana House who expressed concerns about the potential impact of SB 76 on marriage equality in the state.

Ryan Neuhaus

A representative of the Mass Deportation Coalition who testified during the committee hearing on SB 76 and used language that raised concerns about the bill's potential impact on interracial marriages.

SB 76

An immigration enforcement bill making its way through the Indiana House that has sparked debate about its potential impact on marriage equality.

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What they’re saying

“But you stated that you believe that 'mixing of populations.' How do you define a population?”

— Maureen Bauer, Representative (wrtv.com)

“Americans and Aliens. So those who are not citizens”

— Ryan Neuhaus, Representative, Mass Deportation Coalition (wrtv.com)

“No matter who's in office at the federal level, we will recognize interracial marriages in the state of Indiana. We know that Supreme Court rulings can be overturned. We know that in states where they codify these rulings, they have protections under the law no matter who's in office.”

— Maureen Bauer, Representative (wrtv.com)

What’s next

The House is still considering SB 76, and further amendments or debates around the bill's potential impact on marriage equality are expected.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the delicate balance between immigration policy and civil rights, and the need for lawmakers to carefully consider the broader implications of legislation and its potential to undermine fundamental rights, such as the freedom to marry regardless of race or ethnicity.