News

OH Gov. signs anti-gay marriage bill

February 6, 2004

(WASHINGTON, DC) – Log Cabin Republicans expressed deep disappointment in Ohio Governor Robert Taft for signing HB 272 today.

"This bill is a giant step backward for the state of Ohio. Business leaders, educators and fair-minded political leaders know that this hurts all citizens of Ohio," said Log Cabin Republican Executive Director Patrick Guerriero.

"This bill will hinder Ohio universities from attracting top-tier researchers to their campuses, and will also impact corporations trying to recruit quality employees in Ohio," added Guerriero.

The law not only prohibits any recognition of domestic partner benefits for state employees, it also precludes the "recognition or extension of the specific statutory benefits of a legal marriage" to any unmarried couple.

"Simply put, this bill hurts families in Ohio. Governor Taft, part of a legendary family in Republican history, did grave disservice to our party. With the stroke of a pen, Governor Taft harmed families and businesses in Ohio for years to come," concluded Guerriero.

This week, Log Cabin joined with the Human Rights Campaign and Ohioans for Growth and Equality (OGE) in running a full-page ad in the Columbus Dispatch urging constituents to call the governor's office and ask him to veto the bill.

Log Cabin Republicans is the nation's largest Republican organization for people who support liberty, fairness and equality for gay and lesbian Americans. Log Cabin has state and local chapters nationwide, a full-time Washington office and a federal political action committee.