Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Kasich Still Supports Same-Sex Marriage Ban, Despite Court Rulings

State of Ohio

Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich says he continues to support the state's ban on same-sex marriage, even as similar prohibitions are being struck down by the courts.Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.

John Kasich said he supports the 2004 amendment defining marriage as only between one man and one woman, even though recent court rulings mean 60% of Americans live in a state that does or will recognize same-sex marriage. But Kasich said though he believes in what he calls traditional marriage, he’s not sure what the future of that ban will be.

Kasler: “If it does go to the ballot – I know you hate to talk about hypotheticals – would you oppose it on the ballot?” 
Kasich: “Look, that’s so far down the road, and I got enough to do without having to run around trying to figure out how I’m going to fight ballot issues. Let me try to keep Ohio working and we’ll go that way.”

Republican AG Mike DeWine says he’ll continue to fight for the ban, both because it’s the law and because he supports it.  But most Democrats and some well-known Republicans, including US Sen. Rob Portman, have come out in support of marriage equality.

Related Content