He voted for the state's constitutional amendment defining marriage as existing only between a man and a woman.[3]
Personal life
Hinkle is married to the former Barbara Conti; they have two children. He is employed full-time as the Coordinator of Community Partnerships with MSD of Wayne Township.
Sex scandal
In 2011 he was identified as the man who paid an 18-year-old man he found on craigslist for "a really good time". Hinkle then offered, “How about $80 for services rendered and if real satisfied, a healthy tip? That make it worth while?” The man stated that when they were in the hotel room, Hinkle "grabbed him in the rear, dropped his towel and sat down on the bed — naked."[1][4] Terrified, the young man changed his mind about the sexual encounter, prompting Hinkle to offer him money and electronics as a bribe to keep quiet.[5][6]
Several of his fellow GOP lawmakers debated whether Hinkle should resign.[7] Governor Mitch Daniels called the situation a "family tragedy".[4] Hinkle insists that he is not gay and will not resign, but will not run for office again.[8]