Ohio is one of the states in which the rights of GLBT partnerships are never assured ones. Currently, a proposal is on the table in the Ohio Senate that, if passed, will change the current policy of the state of Ohio. This would be a major change for the state, as an general ban against same-sex unions would become a strong exhortation against that institution, being �against the strong public policy of this state.� If this bill should pass, the GLBT coalitions and the legions of supporters will be pushed back in their drive for concessions of certain inalienable rights.

Aside from this declaration against same-sex unions, another point is contained in this same bill that simply leans on any future victories by GLBT groups. This point, being �any marriage entered into by persons of the same sex in any other jurisdiction shall be considered and treated in all respects as having no legal force or effect in this state and shall not be recognized by this state.�, means that even if 49 states declare same-sex unions legal, Ohio can still deny benefits to those couples if they should declare residence in the state.

With a number of other points reiterating what was made clear during the first paragraph, this bill is a finely crafted work of progressing the conservative agenda in America. If this Bill, Ohio House Sub Bill 234, passes the Senate, barring any unforeseen action by Governor Taft, then the battle for any GLBT rights in Ohio will be an immensely difficult one. We, as liberals, as constitutionalists, as those people who would be offended, must take a stand against this decidedly vile bill. For more information, go to www.hrc.org, or e-mail [email protected] for information on how to help the cause.