Ohio Gov Reaffirms Marriage Opposition

Ohio Gov. John Kasich said yesterday that he supports an appeal of the coming ruling that his state must recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages.

“The people of the state, including me, voted years ago on a constitutional amendment to say that marriage is between a man and a woman,” Kasich said. “(Black) has overruled that in some respects, and that’s what a federal judge can do. But it doesn’t change the fact of how people voted.” Kasich’s likely Democratic opponent in November, Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, said the governor wasted an opportunity to send an important signal that Ohio is a tolerant and welcoming state. “Not only is accepting the federal ruling the right thing to do, but increasingly businesses, conventions, and major sporting events are considering a state’s openness when deciding whether or not to bring their business here. Gov. Kasich’s announcement today was a step in the wrong direction for Ohio’s LGBT community and for our economy,” FitzGerald said in a statement.

The judge that promised to force the state to recognize out-of-state marriages has not yet issued his ruling. Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has vowed to make an immediate appeal to the Sixth Circuit Court.  (Tipped by JMG reader Gustav)