Marriage licenses have been a contentious issue in Ohio since 2010.
But a bill introduced this week by state Sen. Tom Harkin would give married couples the right to marry.
“The Ohio State Bar Association is concerned that the law will create confusion and cause unnecessary hardship,” said Harkin’s office in a statement.
“Marriage license applicants and spouses must first submit a copy of their current marriage license to the Ohio State Police for approval, and it is the duty of the Ohio state police to verify the validity of the marriage license before issuing a marriage license.”
The bill passed the Senate last week.
The House passed it on Thursday and is expected to take up the measure this week.
The state law was designed to prevent couples who are in a civil union from marrying.
But some opponents say it could lead to a slippery slope of unintended consequences.
The bill’s author, Republican state Rep. Brian Sims, said the proposed legislation will provide a level playing field for both married and unmarried couples.
“The only problem with this is it is a law that is being pushed by the wrong people,” Sims said.
