Ohio Appeals Gay Marriage Ruling

Ohio authorities have appealed a federal judge's ruling ordering them to recognize gay marriages on death certificates.

The attorney general's office filed its notice of appeal today in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati.

An appeal brief containing their arguments will be filed at a later date.

They're appealing federal Judge Timothy Black's ruling on Dec. 23, which said the state's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional and demeans "the dignity of same-sex couples in the eyes of the state and the wider community."

Though Black harshly criticized the gay marriage ban, passed by voters in 2004, his ruling was narrow and only applies to death certificates.

State's attorneys have argued that they have a duty to defend the Ohio constitution and state statutes.