FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 24, 2006
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-202-8869

Equality Ohio Condemns Blackwell for Comparing Lesbian and Gay Ohioans to Criminals; Demands Retraction

“Secretary of State Blackwell’s comments are offensive and out of step with the majority of Ohioans.”
-Lynne Bowman, Executive Director

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.

“Over and over again, medical science has proven, and all major medical and psychological organizations have agreed, that sexual orientation is a part of who an individual is. It is not a disorder and it cannot be changed,” said Director of Education and Public Policy Bo Shuff. “It is time for Ken Blackwell and others who have made these kinds of shameful comments to give up on the tired political gimmicks of division. Ohio needs a leader with vision who moves us forward.”

The mission of Equality Ohio is to serve as an advocate and champion for fair treatment and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens; facilitate a greater understanding of our common humanity through education and outreach efforts; engage and empower individuals, families, organizations, businesses and institutions in Ohio's urban, suburban, and rural areas; and collaborate with local, regional, statewide, and national organizations and government agencies.
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