FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 20, 2006
Contact: Lynne Bowman, Executive Director
614-202-8869

Equality Ohio Praises Decision in Brinkman v. Miami University

“At a time when health care is an issue for so many Ohioans, it is heartening to know that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees and their families at Miami University will continue to be protected.” – Lynne Bowman, Executive Director, Equality Ohio.

Columbus, OH - Equality Ohio praised the decision of the Butler County Court of Common Pleas to dismiss the case brought by State Representative Tom Brinkman against Miami University. The court found that Brinkman had no standing to bring the suit, filed last November.

"For the past twelve months, more than 30 people employed at Miami University have been in limbo, unsure if they can continue to provide healthcare for their loved ones," said Lynne Bowman, Executive Director of Equality Ohio. "Mr. Brinkman used those vulnerable families to launch a political maneuver that ultimately failed,” said Bowman. “We are glad that this chapter has closed for those families and for Ohio.”

Brinkman filed the lawsuit against Miami University after the passage of Ohio’s constitutional ban on marriage equality in 2004. During the campaign, opponents maintained that the ban’s sweeping language could put domestic partnership benefits and domestic violence laws in jeopardy. On December 12 the Ohio Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could strike existing domestic violence laws.

"Regardless of how a family looks, every Ohioan has the right to be safe, to protect their loved ones in times of illness, and to live in a state where they can feel at home,” said Bowman. “Equal employment benefits like those offered by Miami University protect and strengthen families. What good does it do to deny benefits for hardworking citizens and their families?”

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.

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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