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Federal Judge Orders Ohio To Recognize Same-Sex Marriage Of One Ohio Couple
By: Associated Press
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A federal judge has ruled in favor of two Ohio men who want their out-of-state marriage recognized as one of them nears death.
U.S. District Judge Timothy Black in Cincinnati says ailing John Arthur's death certificate can show James Obergefell as his surviving spouse. The couple wanted the ruling for purposes including being able to be buried next to each other in a family plot that allows only descendants and spouses.
Though Black's temporary restraining order supporting their death certificate request was specific to the couple's case, opponents of Ohio's ban on gay marriage say they're encouraged by it.
Their lawsuit filed Friday against state and local authorities says the men married recently in Maryland, which recognizes gay marriages.