COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Another prominent Ohio Republican says he is supporting an effort to overturn Ohio’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Jim Petro is a former Ohio attorney general, auditor, state chancellor of higher education and a candidate for the Republican nomination for governor.
At a news conference Monday, Petro joined FreedomOhio in formalizing its intent to seek a constitutional amendment in 2014 overturning one that bans gay marriage. The amendment wouldn’t require churches and other religious institutions to perform or recognize a marriage.
Petro says he’s surprised by the reluctance of the GOP to support the issue. He says the party should be for freedom, equality and the notion of commitment.
Petro said his daughter, who is gay and married, lives in Massachusetts and she and her wife are expecting a child.
US Sen. Rob Portman has also come out in support of same-sex marriage after discovering that his son is gay.