Early effort fails for Ohio gay marriage measure

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Supporters of a measure that would allow gay marriage in Ohio have failed in their initial efforts toward getting the issue on the ballot.

Attorney General Mike DeWine said Friday that Freedom to Marry Ohio had submitted the initial required 1,000 voter signatures but had not supplied an adequate description of the measure.

The group seeks to repeal and replace a 2004 state constitutional amendment that says Ohio only recognizes marriages between a man and a woman.

DeWine's initial approval was needed before the group could start an effort to obtain the 385,000 signatures needed to put the measure before Ohio voters.