Blackwell Compares Lesbian and Gay Ohioans to Criminals

Columbus, OH - In the Sunday edition of The Columbus Dispatch on July 23rd, Secretary of State Ken Blackwell compared lesbian and gay Ohioans to “arsonists and kleptomaniacs” and described their lives as a “transgression against God’s law.” Equality Ohio calls on Blackwell to retract his comments and apologize to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Ohioans. “This kind of speech is unacceptable for a public official and is divisive and offensive to hard working Ohioans across this state,” said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director. “We call on Blackwell to retract his statement and apologize for his remarks comparing LGBT people to common criminals.”

Secretary Blackwell’s assertion that individuals can “change” sexual orientation ignores medical evidence and the reality of the lives of LGBT Ohioans. Many thousands of LGBT Ohioans are in long-term, committed relationships, practice their faith, and are raising children and contributing to their communities. Read the full news release

Equality Ohio begins its second year in new digs

The Gay People's Chronicle reports on Equality Ohio's growth:

Ohio’s statewide gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization is beginning its second year with new offices near the Ohio Statehouse and a new political action committee.

What has been a little over a year of remarkable growth and focus on Ohio’s first pro-active GLBT agenda was sparked by three events, according to Equality Ohio organizer and director Lynne Bowman.