Ohio man who challenged gay-marriage ban dies

CINCINNATI (AP) — John Arthur, who with his longtime partner helped lead a legal challenge to Ohio's ban on gay marriage, died early today, his attorney and a funeral home director said. He was 48.

With Arthur terminally ill from Lou Gehrig's disease, he and James Obergefell, 47, flew to Maryland in June to marry after more than 20 years together. They then then sued in federal court in Cincinnati for recognition of their marriage in Ohio so they could be buried next to each other in Arthur's family plot, which only allows decedents and spouses.

"Their love is a model for all of us," Atty. Al Gerhardstein said, praising Arthur for fighting in his last days for the rights of all same-sex couples.

"Part of John's legacy will be the difference he has already made in the struggle for marriage equality," Gerhardstein said.

Funeral home director Robert Grunn, who recently joined the lawsuit as a plaintiff, said arrangements were pending.