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Ohio Senator Rob Portman co-sponsors bill to codify same-sex marriage

Rob Portman speaking
Gage Skidmore
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Flickr Creative Commons

UPDATED JULY 20, 2022 AT 3:33 PM EST.

Ohio's U.S. Senator Rob Portman is co-sponsoring a bill to codify same-sex marriage and extend protections to all married couples.

Democrats in the U.S. House yesterday passed the Respect for Marriage Act with 47 Republicans joining them. Four other Ohio Republicans backed the measure including Reps. Mike Carey of Columbus, Anthony Gonzalez of Rocky River, Dave Joyce of Chagrin Falls, and Mike Turner of Dayton.

The move comes amid concerns that the Supreme Court ruling ending abortion access could jeopardize other rights criticized by conservatives. Yesterday's vote was political in that it forced House members of both parties to go on the record. It also reflected a legislative branch pushback against a high court that has hinted at reversing some U.S. laws that are considered settled, as abortion rights were.

Debbie Holmes has worked at WOSU News since 2009. She has hosted All Things Considered, since May 2021. Prior to that she was the host of Morning Edition and a reporter.