http://www.wcpo.com/news/2004/local/02/03/marriage_passed.html
With just four letters Ohio lawmakers have redefined marriage in the state. It will have a widespread impact on same-sex couples and businesses in a city already seen by some as intolerant.
The law is known as "DOMA" the Defense of Marriage Act.
It passed the Ohio house Tuesday and is waiting for Governor Taft's signature.
This comes on the heels of a Massachusetts court ruling that recognized same sex marriages.
Ohio becomes the 38th state to pass such a law.
John Angelo and Frank Neumann were legally married two years ago in Germany.
They have the marriage license and wedding photos to prove it, but their union is not legal in Ohio.
"We are more determined than ever to stand up for relationships that are heterosexual versus gay, but second we're disheartened about our community," said Angelo, North Avondale.
Angelo works revitalizing North Avondale homes while his partner is employed by Procter and Gamble.
"There are parts of the society that don't want me to be the person that I can and that makes me sad," Neumann said.
That was not the sentiment at Citizens for Community Values.
"I think the state recognizes that it is to our benefit to promote traditional marriage -- one man and one woman," said David Williams, Citizens For Community Values Vice President.
"We know that married couples are healthier. They're wealthier. They're happier and, of course, children raised in those homes fair far better. Every study proves that," Williams said.
"It's a mean spirited piece of legislation," attorney Scott Knox said.
Knox devotes half his law practice to same sex couples and said the law sends that message. "If you're a gay or lesbian couple and you live here and you're a gay or lesbian couple and you're planning on moving here that the State of Ohio will make it as difficult as possible," Knox said.
Redefining the marriage law was a goal of Ohio State Representative Bill Seitz from Green Township.
He sponsored the bill.
"We now insure that Ohio's public policy will be determined by the Ohio Legislature and not by activist courts from other states or countries who are trying to work their radical redefinition of the term spouse or marriage across the country," Seitz said.
There is also disagreement on the law's impact.
Some said same-sex couples might leave Ohio and that businesses will be hurt if they do while others said they believe nothing like that would happen.