HRC Blog

“Why Marriage Matters Ohio” Public Education Campaign Launches

September 9, 2013 by Lynne Bowman, Regional Field Director

Moments ago, I stood on the steps of the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus as HRC and our partners announced the launch of "Why Marriage Matters Ohio."

Similar press conferences were taking place at the same time at a private home in Cincinnati. And in Cleveland at Trinity Cathedral where we were joined by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and his wife Connie Schultz. With the involvement of the ACLU of Ohio Foundation, Equality Ohio Education Fund and Freedom to Marry, with the engagement of business, faith, civic and political leaders, and with the involvement of individuals and couples across the state, we look forward to running a strong, intentional and strategic campaign to educate Ohioans on the importance of marriage to all couples, regardless of sexual orientation.

Our position is simple: no Ohio family should be denied the critical protections and respect that only marriage can ensure. And we believe Ohioans are ready for a conversation about why marriage matters to all families in our state.

In the coming months, "Why Marriage Matters Ohio" will run a grassroots campaign unlike anything Ohio has seen before and together, we¹ll grow and solidify majority support for the freedom to marry. Independent polls over the past six months have consistently shown support in the state for marriage in the mid-forties.

To become involved with the campaign visit www.WhyMarriageMattersOH.org or contact me at [email protected]. And be sure to "like" "Why Marriage Matters Ohio" on Facebook and follow @marriageOH on Twitter for the latest in our campaign to move marriage forward in Ohio.

Aliya Rahman, Field Director with Equality Ohio, surrounded by Rev. Leslye Jones and Attorney Scott Knox and Cincinnati City Councilman Chris Seelbach at the WMMO launch in Cincinnati

Columbus resident Rick Neal and daughter Sophia discuss the need for marriage equality in Ohio.

Elyzabeth Holford, executive director of Equality Ohio Education Fund, announces the launch of Why Marriage Matters Ohio surrounded by families, faith, civic and business leaders.