Comments on: Marriage Advocates to Challenge Ohio Marriage Ban

By: Matt Algren

Matt Algren — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:36:13 +0000

GavinC, gotcha. CUs and DPs are off the table, though. There’s some question as to whether the marriage effort in Ohio will have to be two separate votes: One to invalidate the current amendment, and another to institute marriage, CUs or DPs. I would bet that Ohio’s Sec. or State (a Republican) will say that it has to be split, which, of course, makes it that much harder and more expensive.

Ugh. It’s so frustrating.

By: GavinC

GavinC — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 18:56:44 +0000

Matt, What I meant was that an attempt to pass a constitutional amendment legalizing CUs, DPs or ENDA would be a better idea.

By: Matt Algren

Matt Algren — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 02:07:43 +0000

Dave, while I think this attempt is poorly timed and ill-fated, the Ohio legislature can’t, and frankly, *won’t* fix it. As for the judiciary, Ohio’s amendment was pretty widely recognized in 2004 as airtight and bulletproof. Unless it’s ruled unconstitutional on the federal level (with Perry v. Brown, for example, he said with fingers crossed), a popular vote is the only way to do it.

By: Dave H

Dave H — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 20:25:52 +0000

We complain, rightfully, when the anti-gays put referenda on the ballot to take away our rights, claiming that it is wrong to put people’s rights up to a popular vote.

For this same reason, I think it is equally wrong for our sides to put measures on the ballot in which people will vote on our rights, even if we think we have the numbers to win.

We need to accomplish marriage equality through our legislatures and our courts.

By: Matt Algren

Matt Algren — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 19:50:06 +0000

GavinC, for what it’s worth, there’s a move on for a state ENDA as well. Not sure what the chances are, though, considering the very red legislature we have right now.

And if I remember correctly (it’s too depressing to go look up), the Ohio amendment is pretty air-tight, meaning that domestic partnerships and reciprocal benefits are off the table until the amendment is repealed.

I hate this state sometimes.

By: GavinC

GavinC — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 17:16:21 +0000

Domestic partnerships or reciprocal benefits( similair to what they have in Colorado) would make a lot more sense and would have a greater chance at succeeding. This not only wastes resources in Ohio but could be damaging to the legalization of same sex marriage in other states that actually have a chance. An attempt to pass a statewide ENDA would be the best option at present.

By: Stefan

Stefan — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:49:50 +0000

Now is not the right time, but it needs to begin somewhere though.

By: Priya Lynn

Priya Lynn — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 16:16:46 +0000

It sure sounds like its a bad move.

By: Ravenbiker

Ravenbiker — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 15:58:50 +0000

Its sad that rights “need” referendum.