Otterbein College Democrats (OCD) is teaming up with Ohio State University's Equality Coalition in support of a house bill that will be proposed next month.
The Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHEA), co-sponsored by state Reps. Dan Stewart (D-Columbus) and Ross McGregor (R-Springfield), would protect Ohioans from "losing their job, being denied housing or to be refused public accommodations based on their real or perceived sexual orientation," according to Equality Ohio's Web site.
"Why would you not want people getting equal rights?" said Chelsie Lakeman, vice president of OCD. "You're in college to open yourself to new ideas. Regardless of whether or not they affect you, you learn to accept people different than you."
OCD will work with the Equality Coalition by rallying at OSU's South Oval, a student hang out on campus, on April 29. Students will also attend Lobby Day on May 13 to speak with their legislators at the Statehouse.
"Our main goal is to get people to the Lobby Day," said Chelsea Ferrin, OCD president. "Ohio State is running the show and we're supporting their efforts."
Alongside the Ohio State rally and lobbying, OCD will circulate an on-campus petition asking Otterbein students to support the EHEA.
"The bill relates to a lot of Otterbein students who may be affected by it somewhere down the line," Ferrin said.
As part of the Equality Coalition, the Ohio State Democrat's are working to get local representatives such as Stewart and Columbus Councilwoman Eileen Paley to attend the rally.
"Overall, our goal is to be the grassroots power and energy behind the lobbying efforts to pass this bill," said Matt Caffrey, president of Ohio State Democrats. "We want to show that ordinary people care and we'll do what it takes to support the effort."
Last Thursday's Day of Silence, as part of the Integrative Studies Symposium, culminated in the annual "Speak Out" rally, featuring Robyn Ochs, GLBT speaker, writer and activist. Otterbein students were invited to share their experiences and show their support for the GLBT community.
Legislation similar to the EHEA has been introduced in the past two sessions of the Ohio General Assembly, but did not move beyond sponsor testimony, according to Equality Ohio's Web site. t&c;
