FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 26, 2006
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-202-8869

EQUALITY OHIO RELEASES "TWO VISIONS" -
A SHORT FILM HIGHLIGHTING RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM IN OHIO

"The people of Ohio have a right to know who is trying to shape the future of their state. Rod Parsley and his allies have a public policy agenda based on intolerance and division, whereas we envision an Ohio where everyone feels at home."

         -Lynne Bowman, Executive Director

Columbus, OH - Today Equality Ohio released its video "Two Visions for Ohio" (equalityohio.org/twovisions). The short film highlights the influence of religious extremists on Ohio laws and policies by comparing the values and vision of Rod Parsley's Reformation Ohio organization with those of Equality Ohio. Reformation Ohio is part of televangelist Rod Parsley's multi-million dollar empire including his 12,000 member church, Breakthrough television show, and preparatory school.

"The movement to turn Ohio into a theocracy has been going strong for too long," said Bo Shuff, Director of Education and Public Policy for Equality Ohio. "It's time every Ohioan found out that there are wizards behind the curtain shaping the future of our home state, and that affects everyone."

Events covered in the video took place one year ago on the steps of the Statehouse in Columbus. Comparing the two rallies held just a week apart makes it clear that the future of Ohio will be shaped either by fringe extremists or those who believe in fairness and equality for all people.

"He and his followers have every right to engage in the political process," said Julie Serovich, a Columbus resident. "But when he uses violent rhetoric like 'lock and load' and pushes for laws that make it harder to keep my family safe, he is crossing a line."

"Most Ohioans believe intolerance and discrimination are wrong," said Executive Director Lynne Bowman. "They deserve to know that these are fringe groups with an extreme agenda," said Bowman.

The video features political leaders who spoke in support of Reformation Ohio's agenda, including U.S. Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kansas) and Ohio Representative Linda Reidelbach (R-District 21).

The "Two Visions" video is available on the web at: equalityohio.org/twovisions.

We envision 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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