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WATCH: Ohio's First Pro-Marriage Equality Ad in a Decade

WATCH: Ohio's First Pro-Marriage Equality Ad in a Decade

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The heartwarming ad, which features a gay couple of 50 years, is the first of its kind since the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage occurred in 2004.

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A television advertisement advocating marriage equality has been aired in Ohio--an act that hasn't been done in the state in 10 years.

Why Marriage Matters Ohio -- a public education campaign co-founded by Equality Ohio, Freedom to Marry, HRC, and the ACLU Foundation of Ohio -- released the groundbreaking ad featuring George and Henry, a gay couple that has been together for 50 years that is seeking to wed in their home state. It is the first ad of its kind since voters approved a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in 2004, reports The Columbus Dispatch.

By telling their story, the campaign hopes to raise visibility of LGBT couples and help sway public opinion toward repealing the state's ban. Additional stories are set to be released through social media outlets and at whymarriagemattersoh.org.

"Attitudes in Ohio and across the country are changing fast as communities are coming together to have very serious conversations about the meaning of family, fairness, and the future," said organizer Michael Premo in a statement. "Our hope is that sharing Henry and George's story of love and commitment will accelerate those conversations and further increase support for marriage equality in Ohio."

The initial ad recounts the journey of this longtime Ohioan couple, who traveled to New York to get married last year, but lost this legal distinction once they returned to their home state.

"I can't imagine my life without Henry," George says in the ad. "We're really fortunate that the country is turning around. [Nineteen] states so far! Hopefully, Ohio will be next."

Watch the emotional ad below.

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Daniel Reynolds

Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.
Daniel Reynolds is the editor of social media for The Advocate. A native of New Jersey, he writes about entertainment, health, and politics.