Judge Hears Arguments in Ohio Gay Marriage Lawsuit

A federal judge is considering whether to allow a funeral director to remain on a lawsuit that seeks to have gay marriages recognized on Ohio death certificates despite a statewide ban.

Judge Timothy Black considered arguments Wednesday from the state attorney general's office and the civil rights attorney who filed the lawsuit, originally on behalf of one gay couple.

The addition of Cincinnati funeral director Robert Grunn (gruhn) to the lawsuit expanded the litigation to all gay couples in Ohio who have married in other states.

The state's attorneys argue that Grunn's constitutional rights aren't affected by Ohio's gay marriage ban and that he has no standing.

Grunn told The Associated Press that he wants to do what's right and recognize gay married couples as such on death certificates.