FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For media inquiries, please contact:
MD Sitzes, Communications Manager
(c.) 614-721-4826
Equality Ohio Condemns Discriminatory Policy of Catholic Diocese of Greater Cleveland
[COLUMBUS, OHIO] — [SEPTEMBER 12, 2023] — Equality Ohio, the state’s foremost LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, has expressed its profound disappointment with the recent news of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland’s policy against inclusion and basic civil rights.
Equality Ohio’s Executive Director, Alana Jochum, stated, “It is disheartening—if not surprising—that we are seeing such an influential institution as the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland come out so firmly against inclusion and basic civil rights. We know that most people of faith support their LGBTQ+ friends and family and that this policy is out of touch with that majority.
Most concerningly, there are LGBTQ+ students in these schools right now that have just been told by this policy that they aren’t allowed to be themselves. This policy threatens to cause serious harm to these LGBTQ+ students.”
The majority of Ohioans affirm and support LGBTQ+ youth, and precious tax dollars shouldn’t be allocated to institutions that promote discrimination and seek to deny students their civil rights.
To LGBTQ+ young people affected by this policy, Equality Ohio wants to convey an important reminder during a difficult week: You are not alone. We see you, and we are fighting for you. Trans Lifeline provides confidential support at 877-565-8860 at any time, even if you are not in crisis.
If you are an Ohioan of Christian faith in search of a community that acknowledges and respects both your faith and your LGBTQ+ identity, we encourage you to reach out to LOVEBoldly for support and guidance. If you are a Catholic, we encourage you to connect with Dignity USA “celebrating the wholeness and holiness of LGBTQIA+ Catholics” and/or New Ways Ministry, which seeks to bridge the LGBTQ community and the Catholic Church.
Equality Ohio remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for the rights and inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals across the state. The organization calls upon the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland to reconsider its discriminatory school policy to ensure that Ohio remains a place where diversity is celebrated and where every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, receives respect, dignity, and equal treatment.
For media inquiries, please contact:
MD Sitzes, Communications Manager
(c.) 614-721-4826
About Equality Ohio:
Equality Ohio is the state’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organization working to advance fairness and safety for LGBTQ+ Ohioans. We envision an Ohio where everyone is welcome, affirmed and flourishing.
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