EDITORIAL

County leadership

5/18/2014

The Lucas County Board of Commissioners deserves applause for approving a resolution backing marriage equality in Ohio for same-sex couples. It is the first government body in the state to express such support formally.

The resolution, approved unanimously last week, supports a campaign that would put the issue of same-sex marriage on the Ohio ballot for voter approval, though some organizers believe this may not be the year to do that.

Although it is largely symbolic, the measure puts county commissioners squarely on the side of ending discrimination and supporting the rights of all Ohio families to be recognized and respected. Such grass-roots local support can go a long way to persuade voters to repeal Ohio’s constitutional ban on same-gender marriage.

After last week’s vote, Commissioner Pete Gerken spoke publicly for the first time about his son’s homosexuality. The understanding he displayed deserves to be emulated. The commissioners are to be commended for bringing Ohio closer to equality for all.