SAFE BlogArchive

A bill has been introduced in the Ohio House to ensure that unmarried couples are not omitted from the state's domestic violence law. But the measure would broaden the law to include casual roommates.

The 26-year-old domestic violence law gives special protections to a spouse, former spouse or 'person living as a spouse,' either same-sex or opposite sex. Several judges have ruled, however, that Ohio's new constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage voids the last category by barring recognition of unmarried couples.