WATCH: Ohio couple together more than 50 years shares their story in new TV ad

July 29, 2014

Today, Why Marriage Matters Ohio, the statewide coalition working to amplify the voices of people from across the Buckeye State who support the freedom to marry, released a new television ad running state-wide about the importance of marriage for all in Ohio. The ad features Henry Hawley and George Vassos, who have been together for more than 50 years.

The launch of the ad comes just one week before a key oral argument (on August 6) before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit. Six marriage cases - one from Michigan, two from Kentucky, one from Tennessee, and two from Ohio - will be considered by the appellate court. In all six cases, lower court rulings have decided in favor of the freedom to marry. 

Why Marriage Matters Ohio explains:

The men traveled to New York City, and on October 25th, they finally said those two magical words—”I do.” It was a very special moment for both of them, but the moment they crossed state lines to return to their home in Chagrin Falls, Ohio—those words and the commitment they made to each other were no longer recognized in the state they call home.

Freedom to Marry is proud to serve as a leader in the production and distribution of the ad as part of our work with Why Marriage Matters Ohio. As a leading and founding member of Why Marriage Matters Ohio, we are proud to stand alongside our state partners in building this broad-based campaign to foster a robust conversation about same-sex couples and their families in the state.

Watch the ad: