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Obergefell, et al. v. Hodges - Freedom to Marry in Ohio
The American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Ohio and Alphonse Gerhardstein of Gerhardstein & Branch have filed suit on behalf of Jim Obergefell and David Michener, two widowers, and Robert Grunn, a funeral director, in a challenge to the Ohio constitutional and statutory marriage recognition bans.
The case was filed in July 2013, by Al Gerhardstein on behalf of Jim Obergefell and John Arthur seeking recognition of their Maryland marriage on John's death certificate, before John's death. The Court granted Jim and John a temporary restraining order and when John died on October 22, 2013, his death certificate listing Jim as his surviving spouse and recognized that he was married at the time of his death.
Status: On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court overturned the 6th Circuit decision, and ruled that state bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. VICTORY!
Watch a video of Jim and John courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer
View the Amicus Briefs to the Supreme Court for and against the Freedom to Marry
Plaintiffs
James Obergefell and John Arthur, lived in a loving and committed relationship for 22 years until John's death on October 22, 2013.
David Michener and his late spouse, William Herbert Ives, both of Cincinnati, were in a loving and committed relationship for 18 years.
Robert Grunn has been a licensed funeral director in the state of Ohio for over 22 years.
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Legal Documents
Obergefell, et al. v. Hodges - Supreme Court Decision
Obergefell, et al. v. Hodges - Reply Brief of Petitioners in Support of the Freedom to Marry
Obergefell, et al. v. Hodges - Brief of Respondent Ohio Department of Health in Opposition to the Freedom to Marry
Obergefell, et al. v. Hodges - Petitioners Opening Brief
Obergefell, et al. v. Himes - Joint Petition For a Writ of Certiorari
Obergefell, et al. v. Himes - 6th Circuit Court Decision