Two candidates for the Lakewood, Ohio, city council are believed to be the first openly gay people to appear on the same ballot in Ohio. Republican John Farina and Democrat Jeremy Elliott are among 14 candidates for three council seats in the nonpartisan primary election September 30. Jason Young of the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund of Washington, D.C., also said the two, if elected, would become the first openly gay elected officials in the Cleveland area and two of five in Ohio.
Lakewood has about 56,000 residents and a significant gay population. Last month the flying of a gay pride flag at city hall sparked protests. Three years ago the council rejected a proposal to offer domestic-partner benefits to city employees.
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