Cleveland newspaper opposes gay marriage ban

The [Cleveland] Plain Dealer on Sunday joined a growing list of publications, lawmakers, and political organizations that have asked voters to oppose a proposed state constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage and other forms of legal recognition for same-sex couples. In a published endorsement of a vote against the ballot issue, the paper said the measure would greatly harm Ohio's economy. Issue 1, the only statewide issue on the November 2 ballot, would amend the Ohio constitution to prohibit the state and local governments from recognizing any other unions as marriage. While the newspaper said it agreed with the premise of one man-one woman marriages, "we realize that many good people with much to contribute to the Buckeye State believe otherwise. And should such an amendment be passed here, those individuals might well decide to live where they are not so fundamentally discriminated against." The Plain Dealer also argued that the constitution is a document intended to guarantee citizens' rights, not limit them.