Ohio gov. signs bill banning gay marriage

AP | 2/06/04

[kattracks]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Gov. Bob Taft approved one of the country's most-far reaching gay-marriage bans on Friday, saying its adoption was urgent because the nation's first legally sanctioned same-sex weddings could take place as early as this spring in Massachusetts.

The bill, which Taft signed in private, also prohibits state employees from getting marital benefits for their unmarried partners, whether homosexual or heterosexual.

Approving the bill to make gay marriages "against the strong public policy of the state" became more pressing after the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled 4-3 this week that denial of marriage to same-sex couples as unconstitutional, Taft said.

"It is necessary for us to act now to safeguard Ohio's marriage laws," Taft said. "Ohio could have same-sex couples who were 'married' in Massachusetts taking legal action in Ohio to recognize that marriage and to obtain the resulting benefits."

When the law takes effect in 90 days, Ohio will become the 38th state to adopt a "defense of marriage act" and the second to deny benefits to some employees' partners.

Taft, a Republican, denied assertions that the law promotes intolerance. He said the new law would send a strong positive message to children and families.

"Marriage is an essential building block of our society, an institution we must reaffirm," he said.

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP - Go Gov Bob!

[xsmommy]

well your taxloving Gov did something right!

[NeoCaveman]

well your taxloving Gov did something right!

And he signed concealed carry last month.

Who knew after 6 years he's acting like a Republican. Maybe his boss....err wife, finally got conservative.

[GalaxieFiveHundred]

Another victory for Adam & Eve

Another defeat for Adam & Steve

[xsmommy]

are you insinuating the gov is... whipped...?

[delapaz]

yep Taft is a certified RINO. The fact that he signed this goes more than anything to show how conservative Ohio is becoming. Still glad he signed it though.

The next time you hear some idiot say that all a Democrat has to do to be elected is win all the states Gore won and then win Ohio, remember this.

Ohio is going for Dubya again!

[NeoCaveman]

are you insinuating the gov is... whipped...?

I guess I was too subtle.

The man is p-whipped!

[xsmommy]

subtlety is MY specialty.... ; )

[gooleyman]

Good. I've been criticizing him when he did something against my wishes. I must now complement him on something he done good on. That goes for the concealed carry law as well. Good job Bob.

[My2Cents]

Wonderful news. Remember Dukasis and the "Pledge" issue? This issue will have a magnatude of 10 over the "Pledge" as a weight around Kerry's neck. Banning gay marriage may not go over in the coastal regions of California, but everwhere southeast of Vermont, all the way to the Sacramento Valley, this will be a big issue.

[KQQL]

[petercooper]

Yes Taft!

[Callahan]

Correct. Kerry is pissing off his base by doing his usual gutless finger-to-the-wind dance around this issue. It's only going to harm him.

[ohioWfan]

THANK you, Gov. Taft!

[templar]

Anyone announcing a court challenge to it yet?

[My2Cents]

And I don't think people in "red state America" are fooled either.

[therut]

Gov Taft did not sign CCW. He was overridden on a VETO!

[NeoCaveman]

Are you sure, there weren't just enough votes to override (another) veto?

[little jeremiah]

Hee Hee Hee!!! Homsexual Agenda ping - I'm getting delerious. Heheheh!!!

Let me know if you want on or off this ping list which is getting very busy.

Think about your ideas - test coming soon. (Should I do the vanity asking for input (and ideas of my own) tomorrow or wait until the weekend is over? Feedback wanted, freepmail is fine or a thread response.)