S
ame-sex marriage has become a lightning rod in Ohio's race for Attorney General following Monday's ruling by Federal Judge Timothy Black that a Cincinnati couple, Jim Obergefell and John Arthur, must be recognized as legally married in the state of Ohio even though they were married in Maryland. Cincinnati.com reports that once the decision was handed down, incumbent Mike DeWine made clear that he would appeal Judge Black's ruling. Challenger David Pepper, however, found that unacceptable. In a press release titled, "In Cases of Unconstitutional Treatment, AG Has Duty "To Speak Out"", Pepper attacked DeWine for supporting the state's gay marriage ban and for vowing to fight Judge Black's ruling as the couple in question spend what is most likely to be their last few weeks together, as Mr. Arthur's death is "imminent" as a result of his advanced ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. Pepper stated,
“Above all, an Attorney General takes an oath to support and defend the
U.S. Constitution. This case is a truly sad example of Constitutional rights being violated, and the deep and personal harms that result from
constitutionally unequal treatment. I respectfully call upon Attorney General DeWine to recognize the
clear Constitutional wrongs taking place here. Allow this couple to
spend their final weeks together in dignity.”
