The Ohio Democratic Party on Thursday
officially endorsed an effort to repeal Ohio's gay marriage ban.
Ohio's 2004 voter-approved
constitutional amendment prevents the state from recognizing any
union other than a heterosexual marriage.
In an email to supporters, the party
asked, “Isn't it time that we make Ohio the 12th state
to embrace equality?” a reference to the recent passage of a
marriage bill in Delaware.
The
organization also unveiled a fundraising campaign revolving around
the issue.
The group FreedomOhio began its effort
to repeal the amendment last year. The Ohio Freedom to Marry and
Religious Freedom Amendment would replace language in the Ohio
Constitution excluding gay couples from marriage with inclusive
language, thereby legalizing marriage equality in the state.
Ian James, a co-founder of FreedomOhio,
has previously said that while his group will easily surpass the
roughly 385,000 valid signatures needed by July 3 to qualify for this
November's ballot, a decision to put the question before voters this
year hinges on public support and available resources.