FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 4, 2006
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-202-8869

LGBT and Allied Ohioans Lobby Senate and House for Equality

WHAT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Ohioans meet with state legislators to discuss equality legislation
WHEN: Wednesday, May 17th, 2006 from 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Governor’s Ballroom, Hyatt on Capitol Square, 75 E. State St.

Currently Ohio ranks 50th in the nation for laws protecting LGBT individuals. This lobby day is in place to open dialogue between LGBT Ohioans and their allies with those that represent them in the state legislature. Lobby Day for Equality 2006 will have more than 500 attendees that represent 100% of the 33 senate districts and more than 80% of the 99 house districts in Ohio.

Organized by Equality Ohio, and supported by a coalition of national organizations including The Human Rights Campaign, Stonewall Democrats of Ohio, Log Cabin Republicans, and The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Lobby Day for Equality will address the issues that come with living in a state where not all citizens are equally protected. This day is meant to encourage the Ohio Senate to enumerate the anti-bulling bill (H.B. 276) to clearly give protection to LGBT students, pass a statewide non-discrimination bill (H.B. 28) which includes sexual orientation wherever other protected classes are listed, and to encourage elected officials to protect the rights of children to have a loving family and defeat any attempt to prevent LGBT Ohioans from adopting or fostering children.

Featured speakers during the morning program include Senator David Goodman, from the 3rd Senate District; Representative Chris Redfern, Chair of the Ohio Democratic Party; Senator Dale Miller, from the 23rd Senate District and Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio.

Get more on Lobby Day - visit the web page with the latest information.

Equality Ohio acknowledges Lobby Day sponsors: