Ohio
| no | Licenses marriages for same-sex couples. |
| no | Honors marriages of same-sex couples from other jurisdictions. |
| no | Relationship recognition for same-sex couples: None. |
- 2004 The state’s Constitution is amended to say, “Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by This state and its political subdivisions. This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage.” See Ohio Consitution, Article XV § 11.
- 2004 Ohio prohibits marriage between same-sex couples by statute, as well. See Ohio Revised Code § 1301.01.
| no | Private employment protections based on sexual orientation. |
| no | Private employment protections based on gender identity. |
| yes | Public (state) employment protections based on sexual orientation. |
| yes | Public (state) employment protections based on gender identity. |
In May, 2007, Governor Strickland passed executive order 2007-10S prohibiting discrimination in public employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
| Who May Adopt | Unmarried adult; spouse must generally join petition if married. Ohio R.C. 3107.03 |
|---|---|
| Second Parent Adoptions | Disapproved by intermediate appellate court in In re Adoption of Jane Doe, 719 N.E.2d 1071 (Ohio App. 9th Ninth Dist. 1998). |
| Notes | Adoption by gay man allowed in In re Adoption of Charles B., 552 N.E.2d 884 (Ohio 1990). Gay and lesbian parents can enter into enforceable agreements to share custody of their children. In re Bonfield, 780 N.E.2d 241 (Ohio 2002). |
Press Releases
02/17/10
Lambda Legal Files Brief in Defense of Cleveland Domestic Partner Registry
01/21/09
Lambda Legal Defends Lesbian Mother in Ohio Custody Matter
01/05/09
Ohio Supreme Court Allows Custody Decision to Stand in Lambda Legal Case Representing Lesbian Mother
08/28/07
Lambda Legal Declares Victory --- Again: Miami University Employees Keep Domestic Partner Benefits
07/25/07
Lambda Legal Lauds Ohio Supreme Court Decision Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence
01/25/07
Ohio Court Says Custody Agreement Stands Between Lesbian Moms: Lambda Legal Lauds Decision
11/20/06
Lambda Legal Declares Victory: Miami University Employees Keep Domestic Partner Benefits
05/18/05
Lambda Legal Will Urge Ohio Courts to Reverse Domestic Violence Rulings
05/15/02
Ohio Supreme Court Overturns Anti-Gay Soliciting Law
05/01/01
Anti-Gay Law Challenged in Ohio
12/16/98
Ohio Appeals Court Denies Second-Parent Adoption to Lesbian Couple
11/09/98
Ohio Court to Hear Lesbian Second-Parent Adoption Case
09/28/98
U.S. Supreme Court to Consider Last Remaining Anti-Gay Ballot Initiative
05/06/98
Lambda Criticizes Ohio Supreme Court Ruling in Jimmy Bird Case
05/04/98
Lambda to U.S. Supreme Court: Bury Cincinnati's Anti-Gay Initiative
02/17/98
Ohio Supreme Court Hears Argument for Release of HIV-Positive Man Imprisoned For Spitting
10/23/97
Lambda Criticizes Upholding of Last Anti-Gay Initiative
06/20/97
Ohio Appeals Court Declares Sexual Orientation Irrelevant in Custody Battles
