With a vote of 8 to 5, House Bill 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act, passed out of State Government Committee in the Ohio House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 17, 2009. Voting yes were Gerberry, Lundy, Belcher, Williams B., Stewart, Mallory, Sayre, and Hite with Stebelton, Grossman, Adams, Daniels and Hall casting no votes. The bill now moves to consideration by the entire House of Representatives. A vote is not yet scheduled. For more information and continuing updates, visit www.dowhatsrightohio.com

With the passage of HB176 out of committee on Wednesday, 6/17, it is expected that a floor vote could come as early as the week of 6/22. One vote could literally make the difference on passage of this bill. You can influence the outcome! Take Action now, and then encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Equality Ohio's boards of directors are pleased to annouce that Equality Ohio's Executive Director, Lynne Bowman, was recently recognized by the Central Ohio HRC Steering Committee with their Equality Award. Given annually at the organization's fundraising dinner, the Award honors a person who has given their time and talents to furthering equality for LGBT people in the Central Ohio area.