The Associated Press

COLUMBUS - Some Ohio businesses are worried that a state ban on gay marriage could hurt their bottom line.

"There's some general concern about what it will mean from a competitiveness standpoint," said Linda Woggon, vice president of governmental affairs for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.

Gov. Bob Taft is expected to sign the bill after the House approves minor changes. The bill, passed 18-15 Wednesday by the Ohio Senate, puts into law that same-sex marriages would be "against the strong public policy of the state."

The bill also prohibits state employees from getting marital benefits for their unmarried partners, homosexual or heterosexual.

Susan McManus, marketing director for Nationwide Insurance, twice testified that the ban could lead to lawsuits challenging the rights of private businesses to offer domestic partner benefits.

"Given how many companies have domestic partner benefits, to enact a law that would possibly put them at risk for legal challenges is very disturbing," she said.

Ted Adams, a lobbyist for Columbus-based Limited Brands Inc., called Sen. Steve Stivers on Wednesday with concerns about the bill's effect on hiring. Stivers, a Columbus Republican, broke party ranks to oppose the bill.