Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
A federal judge made a ruling on Ohio's marriage equality ban, which could clear the path toward completely overturning the law.
A federal judge in Ohio ruled that adhering to the state's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional when it comes to death certificates.
Judge Timothy Black ruled Monday that state officials must recognize the unions of same-sex couples, the Associated Press reports.
The ruling, while specifically addressing the matter of death certificates, also touches upon all aspects of the state law denying marriage equality, and provides a gateway toward challenging the law.
Judge Black referenced Ohio's historical practice of recognizing other out-of-state marriages even though they can't legally be performed in Ohio, such as those involving cousins or minors.
Judge Black's decision stems from a lawsuit in July by two gay Ohio men whose spouses recently died and wanted to be recognized on their death certificates as married.
The two couples got married over the summer in states that allow same-sex marriage.
Judge Black said "there is absolutely no evidence that the state of Ohio or its citizens will be harmed" by his ruling but that without it,
the harm would be severe for two men who filed the lawsuit because it would strip them of the dignity and recognition given to opposite-sex couples.
Judge Black ordered the state not only to recognize the marriages of the two men who filed the lawsuit on their respective spouses' death certificate but also to communicate his orders to anyone in the state involved in completing death certificates.
In the battle for the legalization of same-sex marriages, I think 2014 will be a most significant year!!!
It is moving much faster than I expected. It may be all over in the civilized part of the country this year. It may take a SCOTUS ruling in the Bible Belt.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
