Ohio Code § 3101.01
Ohio Code § 3101.01. Reproduced from the official Ohio Revised Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.
§ 3101.01.
(A) Except as provided in section 3101.02 of the Revised Code , only male persons of the age of eighteen years, and only female persons of the age
of eighteen years, not nearer of kin than second cousins, and not having a husband
or wife living, may be joined in marriage. A marriage may only be entered into by one man and one woman. (B)(1) Any marriage between persons of the same sex is against the strong public policy
of this state. Any marriage between persons of the same sex shall have no legal force or effect
in this state and, if attempted to be entered into in this state, is void ab initio
and shall not be recognized by this state. (2) Any marriage entered into by persons of the same sex in any other jurisdiction shall
be considered and treated in all respects as having no legal force or effect in this
state and shall not be recognized by this state. (3) The recognition or extension by the state of the specific statutory benefits of a
legal marriage to nonmarital relationships between persons of the same sex or different
sexes is against the strong public policy of this state. Any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of this state, as defined in section 9.82 of the Revised Code , that extends the specific statutory benefits of legal marriage to nonmarital relationships
between persons of the same sex or different sexes is void ab initio. Nothing in division (B)(3) of this section shall be construed to do either of the
following: (a) Prohibit the extension of specific benefits otherwise enjoyed by all persons, married
or unmarried, to nonmarital relationships between persons of the same sex or different
sexes, including the extension of benefits conferred by any statute that is not expressly
limited to married persons, which includes but is not limited to benefits available
under Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code; (b) Affect the validity of private agreements that are otherwise valid under the laws
of this state. (4) Any public act, record, or judicial proceeding of any other state, country, or other
jurisdiction outside this state that extends the specific benefits of legal marriage
to nonmarital relationships between persons of the same sex or different sexes shall
be considered and treated in all respects as having no legal force or effect in this
state and shall not be recognized by this state.
Source: official Ohio text · Last verified 2026-08-27
At a glance
- Citation: Ohio Revised Code § 3101.01
- Jurisdiction: Ohio
- Code: Ohio Revised Code
- Text: transcribed from the official source (verify below)
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Statute text is transcribed from the official Ohio Revised Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Ohio attorney.
Common questions
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The text above is transcribed from the Ohio Revised Code, the codified statutes of Ohio. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.
What subject does Ohio Revised Code § 3101.01 address?
It addresses the rule set out in the section text. Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.
Is Ohio Revised Code § 3101.01 still in force?
Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Ohio source before relying on this text.
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