GOP leader says Miller won’t be asked to step down

State Sen. Jeff Miller, R-Cleveland, has been a vocal leader in his party’s fight to raise moral issues as key topics in state politics. He also sponsored a constitutional amendment aimed at “solemnizing the relationship of one man and one woman.”

But in divorce papers, Brigitte Suzanne Miller accused him of “inappropriate marital conduct,” reportedly with a legislative aide.

Senate Republican Leader Ron Ramsey defended Miller, second in command as the party navigates moral issues through a session that marks the first time Republicans hold an elected majority in the chamber since at least Reconstruction.

Ramsey, asked if Miller should step down, said “absolutely not.”

“I think that’s a personal situation, and I am going to let him handle that,” Ramsey said. “That’s a very personal situation, and I don’t want to have anything to do with it.”

In court papers, Miller has “vehemently” denied any inappropriate marital conduct.

Miller has told the media that the divorce is a private matter.

The state Senate approved Miller’s marriage protection amendment earlier in the year. It defines marriage as “the historical institutional and legal contract solemnizing the relationship of one man and one woman” and also forbids state recognition of same-sex marriages.

Miller, 42, stopped an attempt to include a constitutional ban on adultery in the amendment.