Gay-marriage ban goes to Taft | Cincinnati Enquirer

[Ediacara]

Wednesday, February 4, 2004

Gay-marriage ban goes to Taft

By Leo Shane III
and Jim Siegel
Gannett Columbus Bureau

COLUMBUS - House members gave final approval to an anti-gay marriage bill on Tuesday. Gov. Bob Taft has said he will sign the bill.

By a 72-22 vote, House members agreed to minor changes that the Senate made last month.

The Defense of Marriage Act reiterates that Ohio does not recognize same-sex marriages and would prevent the unmarried partners of state employees from receiving benefits.

Opponents protested that the measure could hurt Ohio's business climate and cost the state jobs.

"This will discourage the best and the brightest from coming here by writing a new form of discrimination into law," said Mary Jo Hudson of Columbus, a member of Ohioans for Growth and Equality, a coalition of gay-rights supporters.

More at the Cincinnati Enquirer

[TexasProgressive]

1. Evil

That would be great if it really did hurt Ohio's business climate. I hope it does. I hope it hurts 'em bad. This is shameful stuff.

It's hatred, pure and simple.

Not that my home state is exactly welcoming...

[TexasProgressive]

2. On Second Thought

I don't really wish that on Ohio.

But I would like to see a strong statement from big business to the effect that discriminatory laws would discourage companies from moving in. At least it would send a message to the Ohio House.

I remember reading the text of a great speech that one of the Ohio House members made on the floor while this bill was being debated. If I find it again, I'll post a link.