Gannett News Service research

Carl Fox (left) and Terry Bond, of Newport Ky., have been together since September of 1996. They wear wedding rings that they exchanged during a ceremony three years ago. (Glenn Hartong photo) | ZOOM |

Click to view map (PDF file) showing which states bar recognition of same-sex marriages. | ZOOM |

Every member of the delegation who was in Congress in 1996 voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which said the federal government recognized marriages only between men and women. Where the Tristate delegation stands on the proposed constitutional amendment:

Supporters

Rep. John Boehner, R-West Chester (sponsor). "This legislation would protect and preserve this idea, which has been a core American value since the days of the founding fathers. Congressman Boehner has heard from his constituents on both sides of the debate, and the vast majority of them have encouraged him to support the amendment and the concepts behind it."

Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Westwood. "If (gay marriage) is legalized, it could be detrimental to society long term as far as raising of families. It's not something that ought to be condoned by governmental action."

Rep. Mike Turner, R-Dayton. Supports the amendment.

Rep. Ken Lucas, D-Ky. (sponsor). "Homosexuality is a sin."

Rep. Mike Pence, R-Ind. (sponsor). "He is firmly behind this bill and plans to push for it hard when we get back in September."

Undecided, unannounced

The delegation has no announced opponents. The others are undecided or haven't taken a stand.

Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio. Undecided.

Sen. George Voinovich, R-Ohio. "I am very happy that the Vatican has made the Holy Father's position known.

"Now individuals must consult their own consciences and decide whether or not they will follow the Holy Father on this issue. Marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman, and I support the most effective strategy possible to ensure it remains that way. I'm not ruling out any single strategy."

Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Ky. Hasn't said where he stands on the amendment.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said he believes marriage is between a man and a woman but hasn't said where he stands on the proposed constitutional amendment.

Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind. Undecided.

Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind. "I doubt whether further legislative action is now required, but I am aware that some legislators have additional proposals, which I will study carefully."

Rep. Rob Portman, R-Terrace Park. "Currently no state law allows for same sex marriage, nor does federal law. At the federal level, I supported and Congress passed bipartisan legislation (the Defense of Marriage Act) that codifies that no state must accept another state's definition of marriage and that marriage under federal law can only be a union between a man and a woman."

Rep. Baron Hill, D-Ind. Did not respond.