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State Representative Jim Buchy
Conformity is not the Answer for Gay Marriage in Ohio

The United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision this past year to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide. This ruling has led some leaders to introduce reactionary legislation that will either open Ohio’s doors to gay marriage or result in a tangled legal mess for Ohio’s taxpayers. I plan to maintain my position in opposition to forcing anyone to perform a union they disagree with on any grounds.
 
Persons entering into same-sex marriages should not be discriminated against, and those who are against it should not be forced to change their beliefs on the matter. I don’t believe anyone should ever have to compromise their beliefs or be discriminated against for standing by them.  This is why I am in favor of keeping Ohio law in place to protect a pastor’s and public official’s right to refrain from performing a marriage ceremony contrary to their beliefs.
 
We must continue to address the same-sex marriage issue in Ohio, but we must be clear about the consequences that could happen if a bill was passed to confront this issue.  A bill, if not properly scrutinized, could send marriage backward in Ohio by limiting rights that pastors and other offices already have.  It is already a common practice for pastors to choose who they marry, and we must ensure that we avoid any action that would invalidate that discretion, even if unintentional.
 
Under no circumstances should an individual or organization be forced to participate in a marriage that goes against their beliefs whether they are a pastor, public official, business owner, or religious organization.  One of our basic rights as Americans is freedom of religion and no court ruling should ever limit that ability, even for public servants. 
 
We need to consider comprehensive reform of marriage in Ohio to ensure that all parties are properly protected under the law.  While we remain firm on our beliefs, we must also protect the rights of pastors, public officials, and others to stand strong behind their convictions. 
 
Please give me your opinion on this topic and others in the news this month by completing an online survey at tinyurl.com/buchyjune2016


 
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