(Columbus, Ohio) The American Association of Retired People has announced its opposition to a proposed amendment to the Ohio state constitution that would ban same-sex marriage.

Voters will decide the gay marriage issue in November.

The AARP which has some 35 million members nationwide said that if the amendment is accepted it "will have unfair and injurious consequences for many older adults."

“State Issue One would deny property ownership rights, inheritance, pensions, power of attorney and other matters of vital interest to the health and well being of unmarried older couples," AARP Ohio said in a statement.

The support from the association is a major boost for opponents of the proposed amendment. Older citizens are more likely to vote.

Polls taken before the AARP announcement show that the measure is likely to pass.

Attorney General Jim Petro (R), Ohio State University , the League of Women Voters of Ohio, and business leaders across Ohio have already stated their support for defeating the amendment.

Court efforts to block the vote were rejected last month. Eleven states will vote on similar amendments in November.

http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/10/100404ohioOld.htm

This is definately good news for the legalization of gay marriage.

The AARP is probaly one of, if not THE largest US organization with a voice.

Regards,

Lee