FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 12, 2006
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-202-8869

Equality Ohio Presents "Lobby Day 2006"
LGBT and Allied Ohioans Lobby Senate and House for Equality

Columbus, OH—Equality Ohio presents Lobby Day 2006 on May 17 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Hyatt on Capitol Square in downtown Columbus. More than 500 Ohioans representing all 33 Senate districts and more than 80% of the House districts are registered to be in attendance.

Lobby Day 2006 is the first time the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community and its straight allies have come together for genuine, proactive conversations with the elected leaders of the state. It is a unique event where a diverse cross-section of Ohio residents will join together to ask for positive change.

The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with an opening program for the gathered participants. Featured speakers 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. After the program participants will attend pre-scheduled appointments with their legislators.

During the opening session, Equality Ohio will announce the findings of a study comparing the 50 states and the District of Columbia on issues of legislative equality for LGBT persons. According to that analysis, Ohio ranks dead last.

“This state ranks first in the nation in the exodus of young adults from their home communities,” said Bowman. “It is no coincidence that we also rank last in the nation for legislative equality. People prefer to live in states where everyone is welcome. Clearly Ohio has plenty of work to do to create an environment where we can all feel at home.”

“Lobby day will go down in history as a monumental day for our community,” said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. “This is our state and our home. Our elected officials are going to hear from us about why LGBT Ohioans shouldn’t be treated like second class citizens.”

Lobby Day 2006 will be held in the Governor’s Ballroom (Second Floor) at the Hyatt on Capitol Square, 75 E. State Street. For more information or questions contact Lynne Bowman at 614.202.8869.

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

Equality Ohio acknowledges Lobby Day sponsors: