Mayor Supports Gay Marriage, But Some Don't Support Her Choice

Mayor Sara Drew said she signed the Freedom to Marry statement online in January to advocate for every citizen in Stow — but some don't agree with her decision in general, for religious reasons or because she signed the statement on behalf of the city. 

Drew said she was approached by the bipartisian United States Conference of Mayors to sign the agreement. Drew and mayors from 10 other Ohio cities, including and Cleveland Heights, have signed the agreement with 150 others across the nation. 

Part of the statement reads:

"As mayors of great American cities, we proudly stand in support of the freedom of same-sex couples to marry. We personally know many gay and lesbian people living in our cities who are in committed, loving relationships, who are active participants in the civic life of our community and who deserve to be able to marry the person with whom they share their life." (Click here to read the entire statement.)

The statement, the mayor said, does not have the force of law. Drew also said she will continue to uphold the Ohio Constitution. 

"I'm not marrying people outside the parameters defined by state law, nor will I," said Drew. "I would like the law to be changed so that everyone ... two consenting adults ... have equal access to being married and the benefits that come with that."

Drew said she's received about 45 phone calls and some emails since signing the statement. She said about 60 percent support her decision and about 40 percent disagree. 

One man who disagrees with Drew is . 

"While I respect and defend your right to voice your opinion of moral and religious matters, when you speak as mayor of Stow you are now speaking on behalf of all residents, many of which do NOT support same-sex marriage," he said in an email. "This was evidenced by the majority of Ohio voters supporting the 2004 Ohio Marriage Amendment."

But the mayor says her decision isn't about religion. 

"I'm not about asking people to change their beliefs, I'm ensuring every member of our community — every citizen — has equal access to the same opportunities," she said. 

Kinnan said Drew and the other mayors who have signed the statement are "overstepping their legislative boundaries and intruding into matters of religion where they do not belong and have not legal or moral right to do so."

He asked that the mayor reconsider her decision.

"I would hope that people in the city would respect the fact that I am someone who takes advocacy for every family and every citizen seriously. There are citizens ... taxpayers, in our community who are treated differently under the law. I will always land of the side of advocating fo the community and its citizens."

Other coverage:

• Akron Beacon Journal
• The Stow Sentry