Sign the Equality Pledge!

Join the %adv-participants-eqpledge% Ohioans who have signed the Equality Pledge!

To our government officials and all Ohioans,

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.*

We believe families, communities, and our great state will thrive when Ohio is a welcoming place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

We believe that all people are created equal and have a right to pursue life, liberty, and happiness while enjoying the freedoms and protections that a democracy guarantees.

We believe in justice, compassion, liberty, responsibility, and equality in the laws for every Ohioan.

We urge our elected and appointed government officials to uphold the values outlined herein and sign this pledge.

In turn, we pledge to uphold these values when we exercise our right to vote. 
 
*Equality Ohio's Vision

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Equality Pledge

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

(See full petition text above)

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
August 01, 2005


Background Information

Every day, some Ohioans face the reality that their dignity and humanity are devalued by Ohio policies and laws. As a result, these citizens feel less at home in their own state. Some reasons why:  

  • Ohio has no employment non-discrimination law, a person can be fired just because they are believed to be gay;
  • Ohio's Constitution declares that loving, same-sex relationships are not worthy of the same civil responsibilities, recognitions, and protections as other relationships;
  • State law does not address hate crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation;
  • Ohio law does little to protect LGBT youth in public schools;
  • An Ohio judge can use gender identity or expression to deny custody or visitation of children;
  • Anti-equality forces are working hard right now to deny even more rights to LGBT Ohioans.

These are some of the realities that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Ohioans face today. For the future of our great state, we must work together to make Ohio a more welcoming home for everyone.