The Freedom to Marry Coalition expects to file more than 1,700 signatures of registered Ohio voters, nearly double the 1,000 signatures required. This is the first step in placing a constitutional issue before Ohio voters this fall or possibly next year.
The proposal would change the Ohio Constitution--amended in 2004 to block same-sex marriage--to say that the state and political jurisdictions define marriage as “a union of two consenting adults, regardless of gender.” It also would stipulate that “no religious institution shall be required to perform or recognize a marriage.”
As it should be. I'm not a fan of religion, but if churches and ministers and pastors don't wish to perform or celebrate same-sex marriages, their loss. Of both revenue, and the joy of seeing two people commit to one another.
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| Tim Hagan |
Phil Burress, of the Cincinnati-based group Citizens for Community Values--another oh-so-cutesy-Christian-name--says if same-sex marriage supporters put the issue on the ballot this fall “they can kiss (President Barack) Obama goodbye.”
Um, Phil? The people putting this issue on the ballot will be voting for Obama in the fall. Asshat.
But Burress has a massive ego to protect. After all, it was his little group of bigots and haters who were instrumental in passing the 2004 same-sex marriage ban amendment, and he, mistakenly, believes his little plan helped President George W. Bush to win a second term.
Maybe so, Phil, but times have changed since W was relevant....if he ever was relevant.
If Attorney General DeWine approves the ballot language of the proposed amendment, it will be sent to the Ohio Ballot Board, which would determine whether the proposal can be placed on the ballot as one or multiple issues. Then, the Freedom to Marry Coalition will begin collecting the 385,253 valid signatures required to put the issue on the statewide ballot.
Hagan knows this is an uphill fight, but believes thinks there has been a “fundamental shift” in public opinion since 2004: “I feel strongly now that voters, upon reflection, have come to realize everyone is entitled to the same rights.”
So do i; the tide is changing. People are beginning to see that a ban on same-sex marriage is living in the past, and equality for all is the future.
I am not absolutely sure, but I don't believe churches are required to marry anyone they don't wish to...
ReplyDeletethe anti-equality lobby always uses this scare tactic. I suppose it is important to put it in the language of the law.
As an Ohio resident (for now, but I'm trying hard to get the hell out) I cannot wait to sign my name on the petition to get the amendment on the ballot. But I have concerns. What happens if we win in 2012, then in 2014 the anti-marriage folks win an amendment vote? This back-and-forth with our civil rights would go on for years or decades.
ReplyDeleteAs for churches those that want to stay in their dark, little corner are more than welcome to.
ReplyDeleteOh, we will Bob. We will. Also, I refuse to vote for anyone who is anti-choice or anti-gay rights. Narrows it down quite a bit here in Ohio, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteThe AntiChrist in Ohio is a recovering sex and pornography addict in Cincinnati by the name of Phil Burris.
ReplyDeleteUnder Burris and his group "Citizens For Community Values", the most restrictive anti- same sex marriage amendment in Ohio passed.
In his most recent interview, Burris denounced the Hagan's initiative by saying that the voters have spoken, and he implied that no one should challenge it, because the voters have spoken.
Burris has also threatened Republican politicians who do anything, say anything or even think of anything or reason why Ohio DOMA should be overturned.
I say to you, and anyone who reads this, Phil Burris is the Boss in this fight. If anyone has anything on him, then they need to get it into the hands of the people who can document it and publish it.
Destroy Burris' moral platform and the state will swing the other way.
And a note to Cubby - my husband and I hoping for a job transfer to Maryland. We've given up on Ohio.
Cubby, the good thing is if it passes in 2012, and they try to stop it in 2014 and it passes, it will become even easier for us, as it will then be a prop 8 situation. Plus, in an election year, more people turn out. So they can even use the election returns for their case really.
ReplyDeleteI would be thrilled if Ohio were to take the plunge, but the major problem is the split between rural and urban. Ohio needs to get people out to educate everyone they can. I wish them the best of luck!
Full disclosure, I moved from Columbus with my partner.