Freedom to Marry works to change Ohio marriage law
by Dorrie Mills
and Karen Anders
Columbus-It began with two dykes and an
iMac.
Our Vermont civil union gave us our first taste of freedom, of true citizenship. So, with a leap of faith and an iMac computer, we
ERIC RESNICK
Karen Anders, left, and Dorrie Mills, co-chairs of Ohio Freedom to Marry.
launched Ohio Freedom to Marry in midFebruary.
Already, the group has grown to an organization that is meeting monthly, lobbying legislators, fighting H.B. 234 (Ohio's "Defense of Marriage Act") connecting with people throughout the state, preparing for statewide Pride presence, and striving to raise the money to fund the efforts we have undertaken. It has hundreds of people on its e-mail list, and has gathered over a thousand signatures on the national "Marriage Resolution" that states:
"Because marriage is a basic human right and an individual personal choice, resolved, the State should not interfere with same-gender couples who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities and commitment of civil marriage."
There is tremendous energy and excitement building around the issue of marriage rights for same-sex couples. However, there is also concern about the word marriage. Many are uncomfortable because of its religious asso-
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ciations. Some believe that civil unions should suffice since they provide the benefits of marriage. Some feel concern that our community is being assimilated and loosing its uniqueness and flavor.
Ohio Freedom to Marry uses the word marriage to refer to civil marriage, separate and apart from religious connections and connotations. We believe that marriage is a civil right, and one to which same-sex couples are fully entitled.
The rights and responsibilities Ohio Freedom to Marry is working to obtain are universally understood with the word marriage. Personally, we are thrilled with our civil union; we just don't like that it evaporates at Vermont's border. Separate but equal has always been separate, never equal. If we ourselves ask for less than equality, how can we hope to achieve equality?
There is critical work being done toward the passage of both non-discrimination and hate crime legislation. Working for the rights of marriage in tandem with these vital bills will likely further the individual goals and the overall objective simultaneously.
It is not just our right to be safe in our homes, on our jobs and as we walk through the streets. We want to raise the bar. We want full citizenship.
Our diverse group, GLBT and straight, Democrat, Republican, Green, and Independent, young, old and middle-aged as well as those who enjoy being label-less, are working to educate legislators and the community about the issues facing same-sex couples as we continue to be barred from full citizenship.
In order to achieve full citizenship, the GLBT community must have the freedom to pursue happiness as the amazingly varied, colorful, rainbow tribe we so fabulously are.
Ohio Freedom to Marry meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm, at Stonewall Columbus, 1160 N. High St. For more information, e-mail OhioFTM@aol.com. ✓
Dorrie Mills and Karen Anders are cochairs of Ohio Freedom to Marry.
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