OHIO: Defendant In Obergefell V Hodges Attends Same-Sex Wedding

Via the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

Rick Hodges, head of Ohio's Department of Health and named defendant in the landmark case that ended last week with the U.S. Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage nationwide, gave a Bible reading Thursday at a gay wedding. Hodges stood at the Columbus nuptials of Steve George and Jeff Gatwood. "Steve's been my friend for 25 years, and I am looking forward to celebrating with him," Hodges said by telephone shortly before the ceremony began.

A number of top Republicans, including Gov. John Kasich and his wife, Karen, were on hand for the celebration. It's the wedding Kasich mentioned earlier this year when asked by a reporter if he would attend a gay wedding. Kasich, who will announce his candidacy for president this month, has said he was disappointed in the Supreme Court ruling and believes that marriage is between a man and woman.

Obergefell v. Hodges combined six lawsuits filed by 32 couples, widowers and children in four states that don't recognize gay marriage, including Ohio. Several Ohio plaintiffs in the case -- including James Obergefell of Cincinnati -- were widowed after being married in other states and wanted to be listed as surviving spouse on their partners' death certificates. Others filed suit over losing marital protections when they moved to states that didn't recognize their unions.

(Tipped by JMG reader Lynne)