Taft Releases Statement on Issue 1
COLUMBUS, OHIO (October 13, 2004) - Today, Governor Bob Taft issued the following statement concerning Issue 1:
"After reviewing the text of Issue 1 personally and with my Chief Legal Counsel, I have decided to vote "no" on the issue on Election Day.
"First, Issue 1 is unnecessary. I signed House Bill 272, Ohio's Defense of Marriage Act into law last February. That act was narrowly drafted and reaffirms what I strongly believe and will always defend, that marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Ohio is also protected against out of state decisions and enactments that dilute marriage by the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
"Second, Issue 1 is overbroad. The first sentence is fine and I strongly support it. However, the second sentence goes beyond House Bill 272 into uncharted waters. It is an ambiguous invitation to litigation that will result in unintended consequences for senior citizens and for any two persons who share living accommodations. There will be as many interpretations of the words, "Intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage," as there are judges in the state of Ohio.
"Third, the overbroad nature of Issue 1 has the potential to be harmful to our effort to build a knowledge economy in Ohio through the Third Frontier Project and the recommendations of the Governor's Commission on Higher Education and the Economy. The ambiguity and breadth of Issue 1 will make it more difficult for us to retain and attract the young talented knowledge workers we need to advance Ohio's prosperity in the 21 st century."
