Ohio first state to ban same-sex marriage?

[stormraiser]

Changed the title so Duck doesn't have to travel up here to carry out her promise.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109150,00.html

COLUMBUS, Ohio ? Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a measure banning gay marriage (search) and prohibiting state employees from getting benefits for domestic partners.



The bill is considered among the most far-reaching in the nation because of the benefits ban, which applies to unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples.

The Senate passed the legislation on an 18-15 vote Wednesday. The House has already approved the bill and Gov. Bob Taft (search) has said he will sign it, pending a legal review.

The measure says same-sex marriages are "against the strong public policy of the state," and aims to counter a 1934 U.S. Supreme Court (search) ruling requiring states to recognize marriages from other states in most circumstances.

Thirty-seven states have passed laws recognizing marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

Ohio's measure is particularly restrictive because it would prohibit benefits for state employees' unmarried partners, said Seth Kilbourn, national field director for the Human Rights Campaign, a Washington-based gay and lesbian lobbying group. Nebraska has a similar ban.

Ohio lawmakers struggled with the issue for seven years, when then-Rep. Jay Hottinger introduced a bill in the House. Hottinger, now a senator, said the bill was not an attack on homosexuals but rather meant to protect a traditional definition of marriage.

"Ohio must be able to clearly establish and define our own laws rather than have another state or country define something as important as marriage," said Hottinger, a Republican.

Sen. Eric Fingerhut, a Cleveland Democrat, said the bill will hurt Ohio by limiting the ability of businesses and universities to attract talented people.

"If we pass this bill, get up tomorrow and look in the mirror," Fingerhut said. "Smiling back at you is someone who has slowed Ohio's progress by putting up a sign to people that says, 'We don't want you here."'

The vote came despite opposition by some large companies. Dayton-based NCR Corp. sent a letter to lawmakers Dec. 12 saying the bill could hurt the company's ability to attract and retain employees.

Similar bills have been introduced in each session since Hottinger first introduced the legislation. But former Senate President Richard Finan, a Republican, blocked its passage. He said state law already took care of the matter.

[GalvestonDuck]

Honestly, how can you ban something that doesn't exist?

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109150,00.html

The bill is considered among the most far-reaching in the nation because of the benefits ban, which applies to unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples .

That's fair enough. NO couples should receive benefits unless they are married, according to this. Makes sense. Otherwise, everyone would be claiming to be in some type of common-law, unmarried relationship (gay or straight) in an effort to get benefits.

Like I've said before, it'll never happen in my lifetime. But there are more pressing matters at hand that I'd rather see tackled first.

[Rainband]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109150,00.html

COLUMBUS, Ohio ? Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a measure banning gay marriage (search) and prohibiting state employees from getting benefits for domestic partners.



The bill is considered among the most far-reaching in the nation because of the benefits ban, which applies to unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples.

The Senate passed the legislation on an 18-15 vote Wednesday. The House has already approved the bill and Gov. Bob Taft (search) has said he will sign it, pending a legal review.

The measure says same-sex marriages are "against the strong public policy of the state," and aims to counter a 1934 U.S. Supreme Court (search) ruling requiring states to recognize marriages from other states in most circumstances.

Thirty-seven states have passed laws recognizing marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

Ohio's measure is particularly restrictive because it would prohibit benefits for state employees' unmarried partners, said Seth Kilbourn, national field director for the Human Rights Campaign, a Washington-based gay and lesbian lobbying group. Nebraska has a similar ban.

Ohio lawmakers struggled with the issue for seven years, when then-Rep. Jay Hottinger introduced a bill in the House. Hottinger, now a senator, said the bill was not an attack on homosexuals but rather meant to protect a traditional definition of marriage.

"Ohio must be able to clearly establish and define our own laws rather than have another state or country define something as important as marriage," said Hottinger, a Republican.

Sen. Eric Fingerhut, a Cleveland Democrat, said the bill will hurt Ohio by limiting the ability of businesses and universities to attract talented people.

"If we pass this bill, get up tomorrow and look in the mirror," Fingerhut said. "Smiling back at you is someone who has slowed Ohio's progress by putting up a sign to people that says, 'We don't want you here."'

The vote came despite opposition by some large companies. Dayton-based NCR Corp. sent a letter to lawmakers Dec. 12 saying the bill could hurt the company's ability to attract and retain employees.

Similar bills have been introduced in each session since Hottinger first introduced the legislation. But former Senate President Richard Finan, a Republican, blocked its passage. He said state law already took care of the matter.

Someday hatred in this country will be gone..once parents stop teaching it and governments stop condoning it. I won't even waste my time debating this issue. It just proves America has alotttt to learn we may be the greatest country on earth..but some thinking is still in the stone ages

[stormchazer]

I do not beleive hatred is involved here. The moral feeling of the majority right now simply does not condone homosexual behavior and marriages. I have problems with it myself, but I respect you and it does not change my opinion of your character. I do not believe in marriage between same sex but I respect your right to do privately what you wish and I respect your opinion here at S2K.

[Rainband]

I do not beleive hatred is involved here. The moral feeling of the majority right now simply does not condone homosexual behavior and marriages. I have problems with it myself, but I respect you and it does not change my opinion of your character. I do not believe in marriage between same sex but I respect your right to do privately what you wish and I respect your opinion here at S2K.

By them judging me blindly..let alone judging me at all..is nothing more than Hatred. I would give anything to have been born "normal" whatever that may be. What I do in Private as any couple does is PRIVATE!! This is not fair and 18/15 doesn't make a very large majority. If I spend my life with someone and am Faithful to them..why shouldn't we have the same benifits God forbid some happens to one of us. I respect your opinion as well. Thanks for sharing it

[GalvestonDuck]

My point was not in agreeing with the ban on benefits. My point is that it's only fair that an unmarried heterosexual couple should be denied benefits as well if unmarried homosexual couples are denied.

Now if we could just do something about all those illegal immigrants who are conning our government into paying them handouts from OUR tax dollars, I'd be really happy.

[stormchazer]

I do not beleive hatred is involved here. The moral feeling of the majority right now simply does not condone homosexual behavior and marriages. I have problems with it myself, but I respect you and it does not change my opinion of your character. I do not believe in marriage between same sex but I respect your right to do privately what you wish and I respect your opinion here at S2K.

By them judging me blindly..let alone judging me at all..is nothing more than Hatred. I would give anything to have been born "normal" whatever that may be. What I do in Private as any couple does is PRIVATE!! This is not fair and 18/15 doesn't make a very large majority. If I spend my life with someone and am Faithful to them..why shouldn't we have the same benifits God forbid some happens to one of us. I respect your opinion as well. Thanks for sharing it

Well said. I won't pretend to understand your situation at all. Unfortunately, I guess todays morality is working against you.

[j]

Contrary to popular belief, I do not think topics such as this are posted with the intent purpose of hurting the homosexual members of this board. We know your out there and its not going to change. We accept you, life goes on, and homosexual lifestyles are a hot news topic; socially, politically, and morally.

However...this is news..and this site in particular has a lot of news driven topics. If I was gay, and this is just my opinion..I would just stay away from these topics. Similar to if I was say..an alchoholic and somebody was posting about new legislation to round up all the homeless alchoholics out there and throw them in jail..I think it would be prudent for me to stay away from the topic.

Make any sense homosexual members of the board?

[GalvestonDuck]

I'm just gonna climb through my monitor and tickle the living daylights out of the next member who posts anything with "gay" or "homosexual" or, God forbid, "lesbian" in the title.

And "lifestyle" is such a silly word. I drive a Malibu, drink Diet Pepsi, eat sushi, watch movies, and love to play Cranium with a handful of other friends who are all straight. How in the world is my "lifestyle" a hot topic? It would make a pretty boring reality show.

[Rainband]

Contrary to popular belief, I do not think topics such as this are posted with the intent purpose of hurting the homosexual members of this board. We know your out there and its not going to change. We accept you, life goes on, and homosexual lifestyles are a hot news topic; socially, politically, and morally.

However...this is news..and this site in particular has a lot of news driven topics. If I was gay, and this is just my opinion..I would just stay away from these topics. Similar to if I was say..an alchoholic and somebody was posting about new legislation to round up all the homeless alchoholics out there and throw them in jail..I think it would be prudent for me to stay away from the topic.

Make any sense homosexual members of the board?

My comments aren't geared towards anyone in particular..I am just responding to the article "j" I will always voice my opinion..even if it isn't the popular one You should know that by now. I must say..I do it with a tad more respect now I will always Stand up for what I believe in and that is one thing no one can ever Ban me from doing

[FLguy]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,109150,00.html

COLUMBUS, Ohio ? Lawmakers gave final approval Wednesday to a measure banning gay marriage (search) and prohibiting state employees from getting benefits for domestic partners.



The bill is considered among the most far-reaching in the nation because of the benefits ban, which applies to unmarried heterosexual and homosexual couples.

The Senate passed the legislation on an 18-15 vote Wednesday. The House has already approved the bill and Gov. Bob Taft (search) has said he will sign it, pending a legal review.

The measure says same-sex marriages are "against the strong public policy of the state," and aims to counter a 1934 U.S. Supreme Court (search) ruling requiring states to recognize marriages from other states in most circumstances.

Thirty-seven states have passed laws recognizing marriage as the union between a man and a woman.

Ohio's measure is particularly restrictive because it would prohibit benefits for state employees' unmarried partners, said Seth Kilbourn, national field director for the Human Rights Campaign, a Washington-based gay and lesbian lobbying group. Nebraska has a similar ban.

Ohio lawmakers struggled with the issue for seven years, when then-Rep. Jay Hottinger introduced a bill in the House. Hottinger, now a senator, said the bill was not an attack on homosexuals but rather meant to protect a traditional definition of marriage.

"Ohio must be able to clearly establish and define our own laws rather than have another state or country define something as important as marriage," said Hottinger, a Republican.

Sen. Eric Fingerhut, a Cleveland Democrat, said the bill will hurt Ohio by limiting the ability of businesses and universities to attract talented people.

"If we pass this bill, get up tomorrow and look in the mirror," Fingerhut said. "Smiling back at you is someone who has slowed Ohio's progress by putting up a sign to people that says, 'We don't want you here."'

The vote came despite opposition by some large companies. Dayton-based NCR Corp. sent a letter to lawmakers Dec. 12 saying the bill could hurt the company's ability to attract and retain employees.

Similar bills have been introduced in each session since Hottinger first introduced the legislation. But former Senate President Richard Finan, a Republican, blocked its passage. He said state law already took care of the matter.

sounds like a plan to me.

[blizzard]

I'm just gonna climb through my monitor and tickle the living daylights out of the next member who posts anything with "gay" or "homosexual" or, God forbid, "lesbian" in the title.

And "lifestyle" is such a silly word. I drive a Malibu, drink Diet Pepsi, eat sushi, watch movies, and love to play Cranium with a handful of other friends who are all straight. How in the world is my "lifestyle" a hot topic? It would make a pretty boring reality show.

Eating sushi definately cannot be construed as a "lifestyle" can it....lol j/k duck...

I tried it once and only once....Blechhh

[firefighter16]

Are They talking about what I think their talking about ???????

[blizzard]

Who?? ff16

[firefighter16]

I'm just gonna climb through my monitor and tickle the living daylights out of the next member who posts anything with "gay" or "homosexual" or, God forbid, "lesbian" in the title.

And "lifestyle" is such a silly word. I drive a Malibu, drink Diet Pepsi, eat sushi, watch movies, and love to play Cranium with a handful of other friends who are all straight. How in the world is my "lifestyle" a hot topic? It would make a pretty boring reality show.

Eating sushi definately cannot be construed as a "lifestyle" can it....lol j/k duck...

I tried it once and only once....Blechhh

EAT SHUSI ??????????????????

[GalvestonDuck]

No, FF...honestly...sushi. No innuendo or suggestiveness intended. I'll admit I can be flirtatious or subtle with some of my comments. But nothing sexual...especially not to that degree. That's a bit too vulgar for my style, except with people I know well and in the right context...and usually still rare for me.

Bliz -- Sushi is vinegared rice. Sashimi is raw fish. Alot of sushi is made with rice and thin slices of avocado, cucumber, carrot, onion, and other veggies and goodies, rolled in a sheet of roasted noori (seaweed). If you're leery of the fish, you can try several other non-fish varieties. Also, some are made with cooked crabmeat, shrimp, eel, or soft-shell crab. Then the slice of roll is dipped in a mixture of wasabi (horseradish) and soy sauce.

Sometimes, the sashimi (like tuna, salmon, whitefish, etc) is served on a small, firm, rectangular-form of rice and not in a roll.

I'm going out to an all-you-can eat sushi buffet for my birthday in March because it's an expensive dish and quite a treat for those who like it, like me.

[blizzard]

GD,

I did know that (I learned that when I lived in Hawaii.) I wasn't sure if you were refering to sushi, or what most people call sushi, which you described perfectly as actually being Sashimi. Anyway, I am not too fond of either one.

[Rainband]

No, FF...honestly...sushi. No innuendo or suggestiveness intended. I'll admit I can be flirtatious or subtle with some of my comments. But nothing sexual...especially not to that degree. That's a bit too vulgar for my style, except with people I know well and in the right context...and usually still rare for me.

Bliz -- Sushi is vinegared rice. Sashimi is raw fish. Alot of sushi is made with rice and thin slices of avocado, cucumber, carrot, onion, and other veggies and goodies, rolled in a sheet of roasted noori (seaweed). If you're leery of the fish, you can try several other non-fish varieties. Also, some are made with cooked crabmeat, shrimp, eel, or soft-shell crab. Then the slice of roll is dipped in a mixture of wasabi (horseradish) and soy sauce.

Sometimes, the sashimi (like tuna, salmon, whitefish, etc) is served on a small, firm, rectangular-form of rice and not in a roll.

I'm going out to an all-you-can eat sushi buffet for my birthday in March because it's an expensive dish and quite a treat for those who like it, like me.

Shawn ,Tony makes sushi and it is awesome. When... or If you ever come to visit I will ask him to make you some. I can't eat shellfish so we have tuna..imitation crab and some others. He can make you shellfish I will just stay clear of that particular roll

[GalvestonDuck]

Yum!! That's a deal!