Gay People's Chronicle
May 23, 2008
by Eric Resnick
Columbus--The Equal Housing and Employment Non-Discrimination Act was on the minds of Ohio legislators last week as 362 volunteer lobbyists fanned out around Capitol Square.
LGBT people and allies from around the state visited 81 legislative offices in the Ohio Statehouse and nearby buildings on May 14, meeting with 40 House and Senate members, both Democrats and Republicans--the most ever. The rest met with legislators' staff members.
The third annual "Lobby Day," sponsored by Equality Ohio, was possibly the most productive yet.
The first event in 2006 drew 485 participants and was focused on introducing LGBT people to legislators and telling the stories of their lives.
http://www.gaypeopleschronicle.com/stories08/may/0523081.htm
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday, May 16, 2008
Equality bill is a civil rights and business issue
May 16, 2008
Equality bill is a civil rights and business issue, senators are told
by Eric Resnick
Columbus--“Basic protections should not depend on where you live or what company you work for,” Equality Ohio director Lynne Bowman told an Ohio Senate panel Wednesday. “And make no mistake. A decision by this body to not pass this bill would be explicit permission to discriminate.”
The bill she was discussing is the Equal Housing and Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination by sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in public and private employment, housing and public accommodations.
The May 13 hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Civil Justice Committee was the first time such testimony has been heard in the Statehouse on an LGBT equal rights bill. Similar bills were introduced in 2003 and 2005 but saw little action.
The measure, also known as EHEA, was introduced in March by Sen. Dale Miller of Cleveland, a Democrat who sponsored earlier versions as a member of the House.
http://www.gaypeopleschronicle.com/stories08/may/0516084.htm
Equality bill is a civil rights and business issue, senators are told
by Eric Resnick
Columbus--“Basic protections should not depend on where you live or what company you work for,” Equality Ohio director Lynne Bowman told an Ohio Senate panel Wednesday. “And make no mistake. A decision by this body to not pass this bill would be explicit permission to discriminate.”
The bill she was discussing is the Equal Housing and Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would prohibit discrimination by sexual orientation and gender identity or expression in public and private employment, housing and public accommodations.
The May 13 hearing of the Senate Judiciary and Civil Justice Committee was the first time such testimony has been heard in the Statehouse on an LGBT equal rights bill. Similar bills were introduced in 2003 and 2005 but saw little action.
The measure, also known as EHEA, was introduced in March by Sen. Dale Miller of Cleveland, a Democrat who sponsored earlier versions as a member of the House.
http://www.gaypeopleschronicle.com/stories08/may/0516084.htm
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Lobby for Equality 2008
I am thrilled to report that Lobby Day for Equality 2008 was another AMAZING DAY! I thought you would appreciate a report on just how successful you were in making the day a success. Whether or not you were able to attend Lobby Day, your strong support makes all of this success possible, and we are deeply grateful for your continued commitment to equality.
Over 300 Ohioans met at the Statehouse to lobby our legislators for full equality for all people in Ohio. Comedienne Kate Clinton opened the show in style and set the tone for the day: passionate, determined, and confident. When we met with our legislators we discussed the Equal Housing and Employment Act and told our own personal stories to our elected leaders, and our voices made an impact. We made 85 legislative visits and met personally with 40 legislators (in other cases, we met with influential staff). Big news: Republican Representatives Ross McGregor, Cliff Hite, and Gerry Stebleton indicated strong interest in possibly supporting the EHEA, and Sen. Steve Stivers (R - District 3) shared that he expects to be a Yes on the legislation when it comes to a vote in committee.
If you were at Lobby Day, you already know that on Monday, Equality Ohio was offered a $10,000 challenge grant by Gill Action Fund. The condition was that we needed to raise $10,000 to match their generous gift at Lobby Day! We knew that would be a challenge, but we also knew that Equality Ohio supporters mean business when it comes to making Ohio a place where everyone can feel at home. I’m proud—and grateful—to report that we raised almost $11,000 in 6 hours yesterday, ensuring that we will receive the grant! Thank you for meeting this challenge! And if you want to help us get to $15,000 to beat last year’s total, it’s not too late to donate: if you by Friday at 5pm we will add it to our challenge grant total.
Thanks to everyone for making the third annual Lobby Day for Equality an unequivocal success!
Lynne Bowman
Executive Director
Equality Ohio
Over 300 Ohioans met at the Statehouse to lobby our legislators for full equality for all people in Ohio. Comedienne Kate Clinton opened the show in style and set the tone for the day: passionate, determined, and confident. When we met with our legislators we discussed the Equal Housing and Employment Act and told our own personal stories to our elected leaders, and our voices made an impact. We made 85 legislative visits and met personally with 40 legislators (in other cases, we met with influential staff). Big news: Republican Representatives Ross McGregor, Cliff Hite, and Gerry Stebleton indicated strong interest in possibly supporting the EHEA, and Sen. Steve Stivers (R - District 3) shared that he expects to be a Yes on the legislation when it comes to a vote in committee.
If you were at Lobby Day, you already know that on Monday, Equality Ohio was offered a $10,000 challenge grant by Gill Action Fund. The condition was that we needed to raise $10,000 to match their generous gift at Lobby Day! We knew that would be a challenge, but we also knew that Equality Ohio supporters mean business when it comes to making Ohio a place where everyone can feel at home. I’m proud—and grateful—to report that we raised almost $11,000 in 6 hours yesterday, ensuring that we will receive the grant! Thank you for meeting this challenge! And if you want to help us get to $15,000 to beat last year’s total, it’s not too late to donate: if you by Friday at 5pm we will add it to our challenge grant total.
Thanks to everyone for making the third annual Lobby Day for Equality an unequivocal success!
Lynne Bowman
Executive Director
Equality Ohio
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