The 136th General Assembly of Ohio has proposed a joint resolution to amend Section 11 of Article XV of the Ohio Constitution. This amendment aims to align state law with federal law regarding same-sex marriage and to explicitly recognize the right to interracial marriage. The proposed language changes the definition of marriage from "only a union between one man and one woman" to "a union between two individuals," thereby allowing for the recognition of same-sex marriages. Additionally, it states that the state and its political subdivisions cannot prohibit marriage between individuals of different races.
If approved by a majority of voters in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026, the amendment will take effect immediately, and the existing Section 11 of Article XV will be repealed. The resolution has garnered support from a wide range of representatives, indicating a significant legislative push towards inclusivity in marriage rights within Ohio.