CINCINNATI (AP) — A federal judge says he will strike
down Ohio’s voter-approved ban on gay marriage, meaning the state must
recognize marriages of gay couples who legally wed elsewhere.
Judge
Timothy Black made the statement Friday following final arguments in a
lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of the marriage ban.
He
says he’ll issue the ruling April 14 prohibiting Ohio officials from
enforcing the ban, which he says violates constitutional rights to equal
protection and due process. Black’s ruling will not mean Ohio has to
allow couples to marry in the state.
Attorneys for the state had argued that it’s Ohio’s sole province to define marriage as between a man and
a woman.
By
announcing his intention ahead of his ruling, Black gives time for the
state to prepare an appeal that can be filed as soon as he rules.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
CINCINNATI (AP) — A federal judge says he will strike
down Ohio’s voter-approved ban on gay marriage, meaning the state must
recognize marriages of gay couples who legally wed elsewhere.
Judge
Timothy Black made the statement Friday following final arguments in a
lawsuit that challenged the constitutionality of the marriage ban.
He
says he’ll issue the ruling April 14 prohibiting Ohio officials from
enforcing the ban, which he says violates constitutional rights to equal
protection and due process. Black’s ruling will not mean Ohio has to
allow couples to marry in the state.
Attorneys for the state had argued that it’s Ohio’s sole province to define marriage as between a man and
a woman.
By
announcing his intention ahead of his ruling, Black gives time for the
state to prepare an appeal that can be filed as soon as he rules.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights
reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.