Ohio Judges must honor Constitution - marry gay couples

From Cleveland.com - Ohio judges cannot refuse to perform gay weddings based on personal views, state board advises By Robert Higgs, Northeast Ohio Media Group Columbus bureau chief 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio judges who perform civil marriages may not refuse to conduct a ceremony for a gay couple, nor may they refuse to do all marriages based on personal beliefs opposing gay marriage, the Ohio Supreme Court's Board for Professional Conduct said...

..."The oath represents the judge's solemn and personal vow that he or she will impartially perform all duties incumbent on the office and do so without regard to the status or class of persons or parties who come before the court," the board opinion states. "The oath is a reflection of the self-evident principle that the personal, moral, and religious beliefs of a judicial officer should never factor into the performance of any judicial duty."  full article

We would agree that the principles behind this decision are "self-evident". Still, we are glad that this issue has been clarified in such a decisive manner.  

Their Oath of Office obligates judges in Ohio to uphold both the US Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Ohio. It does not say that individual judges can ignore those documents if they conflict with the Jude's personal, moral or religious viewpoints.

If any Judge feels that their religious opinions prevent them from performing their official duties, they have the option to resign and seek other employment.

We applaud this decision by the Ohio Supreme Court's Board for Professional Conduct.