The Ohio and Michigan Democratic parties have come together to file a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court on a gay marriage case it is considering. Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper says the parties want the nation’s highest court to overturn an appeals court decision that upholds bans on same sex marriage in Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky.
“Simply saying that rights are subject to the majority will, whatever it is at that point and time, simply does not reflect our history and has not reflected the approach of courts for centuries,” Pepper said. He says decisions on same-sex marriage shouldn’t be left up to the voters. “Our constitution is there to protect minority rights.”
Many faith leaders throughout the state, including many in Dayton, Yellow Springs and Kettering, signed an amicus brief supporting same-sex marriage in Ohio.
In a news release, Reverend Jason Alspaugh of First Baptist Church of Dayton said “There is evidence of the goodness of God’s creation everywhere, and I can say with confidence that same-sex couples and their families are further proof of such goodness.”
Republican Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine will argue the amendment to the constitution that was passed by voters back in 2004 should be allowed to stand because it is the will of the people.
