WASHINGTON — The order that Ohio officials recognize the marriage of James Obergefell and John Arthur was extended for two weeks through August 19, following a status conference between the parties Tuesday morning.
The same-sex couple sued to force Ohio officials to recognize their Maryland marriage, despite Ohio's constitutional amendment and statute prohibiting such recognition. The couple filed the lawsuit because Arthur is in hospice care and is seeking to force Ohio to recognize him as married on his death certificate and recognize Obergefell as his surviving spouse.
Last week, Judge Timothy Black issued a temporary restraining order that applied those restrictions to Ohio officials through August 5.
A telephone status conference was held Tuesday, with the order extending the temporary order resulting.
The extension was made, Black wrote, "in order to facilitate the parties' further negotiations of a proposed litigation calendar for resolution." The next status conference, also to happen by telephone, is set for 11 a.m. August 13.
