CINCINNATI — A state official says that Ohio has traditionally defined marriage as between a man and woman, and that same-sex marriage is too new to be considered a deeply rooted, fundamental right.
State solicitor Eric Murphy argued Wednesday in favor of the ban on same-sex marriage passed by Ohio voters a decade ago. A three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati was considering bans in four states.
Attorney Al Gerhardstein of Cincinnati countered that Ohio’s refusal to recognize out-of-state gay marriages violates the dignity of same-sex couples. He said it also amounts to unique discrimination because Ohio has historically recognized marriages in other states that wouldn’t be legal in Ohio, such as between cousins or involving minors.
It’s not known when the judges will rule.
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