Organizers Begin New Gay-Marriage Effort in Ohio

Backers of a ballot effort to overturn Ohio's 2004 ban on same-sex marriage say they are gathering signatures for a new petition that revises wording in their proposed constitutional amendment.

Ian James of the FreedomOhio campaign says the thrust of the amendment remains the same. It would allow two consenting adults to marry regardless of gender, and religious institutions would not be required to perform or recognize gay marriages.

James' announcement Friday came the same day a federal judge said he will strike down Ohio's voter-approved ban on gay marriage, meaning the state must recognize marriages of gay couples who legally wed elsewhere.

James said Friday the new petition clarifies the definition of a religious institution, which he said drew concerns from some LGBT organizations.