GAY MARRIAGE BAN Judge dismisses protest of ballot issue

Similar protests were filed throughout the state.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A judge in Trumbull County Common Pleas Court dismissed a protest of placing a gay marriage ban on the November ballot in the county.
Judge W. Wyatt McKay said the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the protest. He issued his ruling Monday after a telephone conference with the parties.
A marriage protection issue, which would ban same-sex marriage, is to be on the November ballot throughout Ohio.
Two Columbus women filed a protest with the Trumbull County Board of Elections last week saying they didn't believe there were enough valid signatures on county petitions turned in to the state to place the issue on the ballot.
James T. Saker, an assistant county prosecutor representing the elections board, said the protesters argued that the issue must be decided 40 days before the election. Supporters of the initiative contended that the court had 50 days before the election to decide.
The judge said in his ruling that 50 days is the required period, meaning it would have had to be decided by Sept. 13.
The protesters filed their motions throughout the state.
Two reactions
The Rev. Rod Winyard of First Community Church in Leavittsburg sat outside the judge's courtroom Monday to learn of a decision.
"We're not for gay marriage," the Rev. Mr. Winyard said. "We follow the Bible literally, and it's very, very clear that God is against these types of relationships."
Mr. Winyard also worries that it could create a slippery slope eventually paving the way for group marriage and other unions.
But Tristan Hand, owner of a downtown tavern, says it's a civil rights issue, not a theological one.
Hand believes the issue will be on the ballot, but he urges people to consider the ramifications.
"They're wrapping it in the smoke and mirrors of being a gay issue," he said. "It's a human issue about people you know."
Hand also believes there are economic considerations.
Corporations that offer health insurance coverage to gay partners of employees may decide not to locate in Ohio because of the ban, he said.
A university professor considering locating to a school in Ohio also may choose not to if his or her partner won't be covered by health insurance, Hand added.
denise_dick@vindy.com