FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 25, 2006
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-563-5274

Equality Ohio Education Fund Praises
New Jersey Supreme Court

Columbus, OH- Equality Ohio today praised the decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court in the Lewis v. Harris case.

“Today, the Supreme Court of New Jersey told their state legislature to address the discrimination that is currently taking place in that state,” commented Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. “We urge elected officials there to do what is right and provide full marriage equality for loving, same-sex couples. ‘Separate but equal’ is not an American value, and it simply does not work.”

Equality Ohio recognizes the important work of Lambda Legal and Garden State Equality in this case. Their efforts created open dialogue and that has moved equality forward in New Jersey.

“According to a 2006 Zogby Poll, fifty-six percent of New Jersey residents support full marriage equality for same-sex couples,” said Tom Grote, Chair of the Board of the Equality Ohio Education Fund. “The work of organizations like Lambda Legal and Garden State Equality led to a greater understanding of issues that loving gay and lesbian couples and families face everyday. The Legislature of New Jersey should heed the will of the people they represent and provide the benefits and protections of full marriage equality to all couples in their state.”

According to Bowman, Equality Ohio’s efforts in this state focus on building a greater understanding of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens and their families among the general public.

“Families all over Ohio are dealing with the consequences of our own state’s constitutional ban on marriage equality that passed in 2004,” added Bowman. “Ultimately, the equal right to marry is about love, commitment, inclusion and fairness. It’s about upholding the principle that we are all created equal and as Americans we all deserve equal protection under the law. We look forward to seeing that become a reality in New Jersey, Ohio, and across the nation.”

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. More information can be found at www.equalityohio.org.

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