Last week on Facebook, Robert Hardin-Leeth posted a response he'd received from Ohio Gov. John Kasich on the topic of marriage equality. Here are some highlights of that response:
As a Member of Congress, I voted in favor of the Defense of Marriage Act -- the federal law which defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. As Governor, I support traditional marriage and I am committed to my oath to uphold the laws of our country and state.
In 2004, the people of Ohio approved an amendment to the state constitution prohibiting gay marriage in Ohio. I do not support amending the constitution to legalize gay marriage or civil unions.
I know I shouldn't be shocked by Gov. Kasich's response, but I am. First he states that as governor he is committed to his oath to uphold the laws of our country and state. Well, Gov. Kasich, the United States Supreme Court found DOMA unconstitutional. If you truly are committed to your oath, then you should be helping rid the country of anything that smacks of that unconstitutional law. One step would be supporting marriage equality in Ohio. The fact that you voted for DOMA is an embarrassment not only to you but to the people of Ohio.
You say that you do not support amending the constitution to legalize gay marriage or civil unions, but you are fine with the people of Ohio approving an amendment that wrote intolerance, ignorance and hate into the state constitution. As I wrote in an open letter to Attorney General Mike Dewine:
This amendment wasn't driven by a desire for justice, equality, or what's in the best interest of the state. It was driven by fear, intolerance, ignorance, hate, and religious belief. None of these reasons justifies denying rights to a group of citizens.
I respect the fact that you have your beliefs, but you do not have the right to force those beliefs onto me or have those beliefs written into the state constitution. That is exactly what the 2004 amendment did.
I have been with my husband for 10 and half years. In that time we have paid taxes, purchased a house, welcomed new members to our family and lost members of that family. We contribute to not only our community but the community of Ohio as a whole. Could you please explain to me how recognizing my relationship will affect you, your marriage, or your supporters? It would not.
As least I can take comfort in knowing that in 2014 you will be voted out of office. You, sir, and your supporters will be remembered as being on the wrong side of history.
This blog post originally appeared on Diary of a Drag Queen's Husband.