New Statewide Group Debuts

Gay People's Chronicle reports on the launch of Equality Ohio:

Columbus--A new statewide education and political action group is set to debut August 15 with a paid executive director, $100,000 in the bank and a goal of making Ohio more friendly to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

Equality Ohio began forming last winter in response to the Ohio marriage ban constitutional amendment passed last fall as Issue1.

The new organization differs from previous attempts to set up statewide GLBT advocacy groups in Ohio in its structure, how it came together, and its commitment to a full-time, paid executive director.

OIC Reports on Equality Ohio Launch

Full article and an excerpt:

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Equality Ohio is a new organization dedicated to equality in law and opportunity for all Ohioans including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ohioans.

"Our vision is an Ohio where everyone can feel at home," said Tom Grote, board chair of the Equality Ohio Education Fund.

The organization began forming last November after the passage of Issue One, a constitutional ban in Ohio on the legal recognition of same-sex relationships. As a result, a statewide coalition of community leaders and others met and established Equality Ohio as part of a long-term strategy to gain and protect equal rights for all Ohioans.