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Ohio Politicians React To Landmark Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

Both Republican and Democrat politicians weighed in on Friday's historic ruling on gay marriage. Hear what they had to say.
Brown-DeWine

Both Republican and Democrat politicians weighed in on Friday's historic ruling on gay marriage.  Hear what they had to say.

Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman (D)

"I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage because it represents true equality for all, regardless of who they love. This decision reflects the inclusiveness and support for marriage equality for same-sex couples in Columbus, the state of Ohio and throughout the nation.”

 

Attorney General Mike DeWine (R)

"The Attorney General’s Office has an obligation and duty to defend the constitutionality of Ohio laws, including constitutional amendments passed by Ohio voters. Ohio’s involvement in this case has been to defend the voter-passed amendment. While Ohio argued that the Supreme Court should let this issue ultimately be decided by the voters, the Court has now made its decision."

Supreme Court Extends Same-Sex Marriage Nationwide​

Senator Rob Portman (R)

“The issue of marriage equality is one that divides people of principle, and I understand that.  In 2013, I decided to support marriage equality after I came to understand this issue better in the context of my own family.  I can't help but view today's Supreme Court decision through that same lens.  And as a father, I welcome today's decision.  As I have said before, I would have preferred for this issue to be resolved by the democratic process in the states because I think you build a more lasting consensus that way.  Now that the Court has reached its decision, I hope we can move past the division and polarization the issue has caused.”

 

Former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D)

“Today, the Supreme Court ruled on the right side of history – giving every Ohioan and every American the right to marry who they love, and that means so much to me.

“Make no mistake, this victory isn’t just a victory for LGBT Ohioans – it’s a victory for equality and a victory for all Ohioans. Too many couples in Ohio and across the country have waited far too long to marry who they love, and they shouldn’t have to wait a moment longer, so I urge Governor Kasich to act quickly to right this wrong and implement the Court’s decision immediately

“I had the opportunity to spend some time with the plaintiff in the marriage equality case, fellow Ohioan Jim Obergefell, this weekend, and I so admire his courage. I’m thrilled America is one big step closer to the day when everyone is treated with respect and given equal rights under the law, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Today is a day for celebration, and to remember there is still more work to do to reach full equality under the law.” –

 

Senator Sherrod Brown (D)

“Today the Supreme Court has finally put our nation on the right side of history. Marriage equality is now the law of the land across our country, including in Ohio, and states should immediately begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, who have waited too long already.

“This decision comes in no small part because of the courage of Ohioan Jim Obergefell, and all those who have fought for marriage equality. Anyone who has heard Jim tell his story can’t fail to be moved. It’s long past time that our laws recognized his marriage and all other same-sex marriages. 

“While today we celebrate this momentous step forward for equality, we know our work is not yet finished. We must continue fighting discrimination against LGBT Americans and all other communities. The arc of history is bending a little further toward justice today, but our work to create a more perfect union, with equality and justice for all, continues.”

 

Council President Andrew Ginther

“We have known for a many years, whether through the courts or the ballot box, marriage equality was coming to Ohio.  Now the nation’s highest court has confirmed the values we have long held in Columbus, that all relationships are equal and that all marriages matter.” 

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