OHIO: State Approves Language For Ballot Measure To Repeal Marriage Ban

Yesterday organizers of a ballot measure campaign to repeal Ohio's same-sex marriage ban were granted permission to begin gathering petition signatures.

The Ohio Ballot Board agreed Tuesday that the proposed "Freedom to Marry and Religious Freedom Amendment" contains a single constitutional amendment, clearing the way for the effort to move forward. The updated amendment includes language requiring that all legally valid marriages be treated equally under the law. It also keeps clergy from being forced to perform a same-sex marriage. The group FreedomOhio is seeking to repeal and replace Ohio's 2004 prohibition on gay marriage.

RELATED: Last week a federal judge ruled that Ohio must recognize out-of-state marriages. The ruling was stayed pending an appeal.