Ohio same-sex marriage plaintiff to be honored

Cincinnati — The lead plaintiff in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage across the state is being honored with an award recognizing people and organizations striving to live up to the ideals of the Underground Railroad movement to better their community.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati says Jim Obergefell (oh-BIRK'-uh-fel) will receive its Everyday Freedom Hero award. A lawsuit by Obergefell and his dying partner John Arthur sought legal recognition of their marriage by the state of Ohio, leading to the 2015 Supreme Court decision on lawsuits challenging same-sex bans in four states.

Obergefell has continued as an activist for gay rights and other causes.

The Cincinnati center's president, Clarence G. Newsome, praises Obergefell as "a champion of civil rights."

The award presentation is Oct. 22.

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Copyright The Gayly - 10/15 @ 10:35 a.m. CDT.