ProgressOhio

Every morning, someone you know takes the long way to class. Someone you care about looks over his shoulder on the street. Someone you love fears for her safety.

All because people hate them for being who they are.

We're closer than ever to passing a federal hate crimes law that includes sexual orientation and gender identity. But right now, your lawmakers are being barraged with calls and emails from anti-gay groups. It's horrifying that they'd pick this of all issues to be against—but it's happening.

The House has already introduced its hate crimes bill. We're holding a press conference onTHURSDAY, the day the Senate introduces its identical bill, to announce all the support behind us. We need your voice, even if you've already sent a message on this issue.

Click here to send your letter to Congress before Thursday's press conference.

And once you take action, please forward this message along. We need more support!Our country desperately needs a federal hate crimes law that protects all people from bias-motivated violence. Every day, dozens of people are targets of violent attacks simply because of who they are, while the federal government is powerless to help.

Over the coming weeks, we have a chance to change that.

We'll be sending tens of thousands of letters and calls to legislators, bringing clergy to Capitol Hill to meet with their Senators and Representatives, telling the stories of innocent people attacked or killed by hate violence, and putting a media spotlight on this issue. 

We're not going to miss this opportunity.Time is tight. But, with a fair-minded majority in Congress, the time is right.

Join Equality Ohio for the 2007 Lobby Day for Equality!
May 16, 2007 9 - 5 pm
Hyatt on Capitol Square
75 E. State St.Columbus, OH 43215
Hosted By: Equality Ohio
Questions? Call 614-224-0400 or emaillobbyday@equalityohio.org
Please RSVP by April 16, 2007

Lobby Day is a chance to build bridges and meet face-to-face with the people who shape state laws that impact our lives and families. Equality Ohio staff offer free lobby training in Akron, Athens, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo. You can choose your training when you register!

For more information, click here!

Can't make it to Lobby Day? Then please let Senate President Bill Harris know that you support the Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHEA) by clicking here.

More Information: During Lobby Day you won't be alone. A team leader will facilitate a group from each legislative district and the team will lobby together Appointments with legislator offices are set up by Equality Ohio ahead of time.

Please invite others to register and come with you. Bring supportive family or friends. This is a family-friendly event. Children can meet their legislators and learn about the process, too. There will be a family break room if you need it.

We do what we can to remove barriers for participants. This is one of the most imprtant things we can do together to move the cause for equality forward. See you there!