June 26 marks the 10-year anniversary of the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, the U.S. Supreme Court case that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. Only 36 states recognized same-sex marriage prior to that ruling.
Ohio outright banned same-sex marriage.
Since the landmark case 10 years ago, Columbus has continued to work to enact policies that protect the rights of members of the LGBTQ+ community.
鈥淚 think that it is a reminder that with focus and with advocacy and with optimism, we can move the arc of history,鈥� Columbus City Council President Shannon Hardin said about the anniversary. 鈥淏ut these things that don't just happen and that one fight won does not mean that we get to rest on our laurels. We have to continue to talk about the benefits of having an open and inclusive community, and what that has meant to not just the city but to individual families.鈥�
Hardin is the first openly gay Columbus City Council president. He said that while Pride is a party, the community needs to also advocate for policy.
鈥淗istory isn't linear. Some of the protections (and) the victories that we have seen...folks fought really hard for them,鈥� Hardin said. "We're reminded of that today. In a time where so many folks in our community and the LGBTQ+ community feel a new wave of attack.鈥�
Hardin also spoke about the new LGBTQ+ Commission the city is starting with the goal of advising Columbus lawmakers on policy issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community. One issue Hardin said he would like to focus on is protecting funding for transgender youth programs.
鈥淲hat I am continuing to advocate for are some really cruel financial cuts to organizations that serve specifically trans youth in the city of Columbus,鈥� Hardin said. 鈥淚 call it cruel, cuts to housing and homelessness support for youth. And I'm trying to see what role and what capacity the city of Columbus will have to step in and step up to make sure that those gaps are filled."
