Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine has certified the language in a new version of a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at overturning the state's 2004 voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.
The updated amendment includes language requiring that all legally valid marriages be treated equally under the law. The amendment language approved by DeWine Monday would also keep clergy from being forced to perform a same-sex marriage. The language goes next to the state ballot board for review. The group FreedomOhio is seeking to repeal and replace Ohio's 2004 prohibition on gay marriage. DeWine's decision is not related to a federal judge's decision Monday ordering Ohio authorities to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states. The attorney general must certify the accuracy of summaries of proposed ballot issues.