The Ashland County Democratic Party has endorsed the Ohio Freedom to Marry and Religious Freedom Amendment.

 

Paula Watson, Ashland County Democratic Party chairperson, said, “our support for LGBT rights has been unwavering and this is the civil rights issue of our time.”

 

“The Ashland County Democratic Party endorses the Freedom to Marry and Religious Freedom Amendment because it provides a loving couple with the opportunity to go to the Courthouse and be legally married,” Watson said. “At the same time, this amendment respects religious freedom. Religious institutions are free to choose to marry or not marry, perform or not perform, same-gender marriages.”

 

An economic impact study commissioned by FreedomOhio found same-gender marriages performed in Ashland County would generate approximately $200,000 for the local economy in the first three years after the amendment is approved.

 

Ian James, FreedomOhio co-founder, thanked Chairperson Watson and the Ashland County Democratic Party for the endorsement.

 

“Everywhere you turn in Ashland County, you meet kind, caring and loving people. We thank you for your support. We have volunteers in Ashland County going to our website – freedomohio.com - and downloading petitions to collect signatures and we can’t thank them enough for their hard work to bring marriage equality to Ohio,” James said.