On December 15, Columbus City Council unanimously passed an historic resolution in support of marriage equality. The resolution also honored the work of Why Marriage Matters Ohio and our volunteers across the state for our work in increasing support for the freedom to marry.
Why is this a big deal? Because it is the first time a municipality in Ohio has passed a resolution in support of marriage equality. We are grateful to Council President Andrew Ginther for sponsoring the resolution, and to the Council members who unanimously supported it. Columbus continues to be a city that welcomes and values all its families.
Council President Ginther explained why it was important for the City Council to pass this resolution during the council’s final meeting of 2014: “We want to make sure that everyone feels welcomed in this community, and this resolution represents everything that our great values of the city represents.” Mission accomplished.
This resolution is also a big deal because it could not have come at a better time in the fight for marriage equality in Ohio. In the aftermath of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals’ shameful decision to uphold the marriage bans of Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky, and while we await the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the appeal on that decision, the resolution is further proof that Ohio is ready for the freedom to marry.
The majority of Ohioans believe that everyone should have the freedom to marry the person they love, and support continues to grow as people have conversations with friends and family about why marriage matters for all couples.
This remarkable shift in public opinion could not have happened without the support of the more than 100 elected officials, more than 200 faith leaders, and more than 300 small businesses across Ohio that have announced their support for the freedom to marry. It could not have happened without the hard work of thousands of Ohioans who are having conversations, hosting house parties and making phone calls. And it could not have happened without the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ohioans who are sharing their stories, highlighting the harms they face by being denied the freedom to marry. Working together, we have helped change hearts and minds across the state.
As we finish out 2014, we can celebrate all the work we have done. But as we enter the new year, we have a lot more work to do. Everyone who supports the freedom to marry must keep having conversations about how important it is, and how people are harmed when it is denied to them. The more people talk about the freedom to marry, the more support will continue grow.
We have to keep working until the day comes when all loving and committed couples in Ohio are allowed to marry. We are proud to have allies like the Columbus City Council working with us. It is our hope that other cities across Ohio will follow Columbus’ example, and announce their support for the freedom to marry.
For ongoing discussion on Marriage Equality in Ohio, CLICK HERE to visit our Messageboard.
