UPDATE | Gay-marriage backers urge Ohio to drop its appeal

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gay marriage supporters in Ohio delivered several thousand petitions to the state’s attorney general today urging him to stop his appeal of a federal judge’s order on same-sex marriage.

The state is fighting Judge Timothy Black’s ruling that orders Ohio to recognize gay marriages performed in other states. Most of the judge’s April 14 ruling was put on hold pending the anticipated appeal.

The judge ruled that Ohio’s refusal to recognize gay marriage is a violation of constitutional rights and is “unenforceable in all circumstances.”

Republican Attorney General Mike DeWine has said marriage is between a man and a woman, and that he will continue defending Ohio’s voter-approved gay marriage ban, passed overwhelmingly in 2004.

The group Why Marriage Matters Ohio delivered more than 6,000 signatures to DeWine’s office Thursday, demanding he halt the appeal.

Campaign manager Michael Premo said appealing the ruling was a waste of taxpayer money and an injustice to Ohio families.