| Equality
Ohio Urges Support of Benefits; Criticizes Republican Party for Tired
Political Tactic
Columbus, OH- Equality Ohio urges all the candidates for Governor
of Ohio to support state employees and their families by providing domestic
partnership benefits for those in long-term relationships.
"It is estimated that offering domestic partnership benefits to
state of Ohio employees will only increase the state’s health insurance
costs 0.6 percent," said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality
Ohio. "Like many Ohioans, we believe basic health coverage for all,
including Ohio's state workers and their life partners, should be a priority
for our next governor."
Bowman is referring to a story in the June 22 Cincinnati Inquirer in which
the four gubernatorial candidate were asked "should live-in partners
of state employees receive the same health and pension benefits as married
state employees?". Ted Strickland and Ken Blackwell, the two leading
contenders, both answered "no". Blackwell stated that "those
seeking the benefits of marriage should get married" while Strickland
indicated his understanding is that the state constitutional amendment
on marriage would prohibit such benefits from being offered.
"Equality Ohio welcomes thoughtful discussion about the challenges
Ohioans face every day, like access to health coverage," said Bo
Shuff, Director of Education and Public Policy. "However, we are
very disappointed in the manner the Ohio Republican Party chose to frame
their press release on this issue."
In an email, the Ohio Republican Party publicized the answers from the
four candidates. They titled the press release "Strickland
Not Straight on Domestic Partner Benefits" (link goes to GOP
press release).
"Ohioans are wise to this scheme," added Shuff. "It's no
longer fashionable to use the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community
for cheap political gain."
Equality Ohio will continue to monitor communications from the 2006 campaigns
and all political parties and will hold accountable any group that uses
lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to win votes.
Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where everyone feels at home, living
in families and communities where equality, diversity and inclusiveness
are universally valued; and where government protects all people and responds
to their needs, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or
expression.
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