Television Ads Supporting Gay Marriage Start in Ohio

A group supporting same-sex marriage in Ohio is airing its first television ad as a federal appeals court prepares to hear oral arguments on the issue.

The ad from the Why Marriage Matters Ohio campaign features a gay couple from the state who married last October in New York after 50 years together. The two men discuss their long-term relationship in the 30-second spot released Wednesday.

The ad is expected to run for a week in the Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo markets.

Ohioans approved a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in 2004 with 62 percent of the vote.

The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati will hear two challenges to the Ohio ban on Aug. 6, along with cases from Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee.

This story is part of our special report: "Gay Marriage". Want to read more? Here's the full list.