Ohio Men Challenge State Law Denying Gay Marriage

CINCINNATI - Two Ohio men have filed a federal lawsuit alleging Ohio violates the U.S Constitution by denying legal recognition to same-sex couples married in states where gay marriage is legal.

James Obergefell and John Arthur of Cincinnati filed the lawsuit Friday in Cincinnati against Ohio's governor, attorney general and the Cincinnati health department registrar who files death certificates.

The lawsuit says the men married in Maryland, which recognizes gay marriages. They want the court to rule Ohio's law and constitution violate their rights including equal protection.

They want Arthur's eventual death certificate to show his status as married.

Gov. John Kasich's spokesman declined comment on pending litigation except to say Kasich believes marriage is between a man and a woman.

Messages left for the other defendants weren't returned.