In some states, a domestic partnership is a legally recognized relationship between members of a same-sex couple, with rights similar to those of a marriage relationship.
As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Ohio does not legally recognize domestic partnerships for same-sex couples at the state level. Ohio's constitution was amended in 2004 to define marriage as between one man and one woman, and this amendment also prohibited the state from recognizing any legal status for unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effect of marriage. However, some municipalities within Ohio may offer domestic partnership registries that provide a mechanism for same-sex couples to document their relationship. These local registries can help partners gain access to benefits on a limited, local level, such as health care benefits from employers who recognize the registry, but they do not provide the full range of legal rights and responsibilities that come with state or federally recognized marriage.