Greetings,

House Bill 176 would prohibit discriminatory practices on the basis of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity and expression" in employment, housing or public accommodations. The bill is expected to receive a vote in the Ohio House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 15, 2009. The Ohio Education Association supports the protections against discrimination in this bill and urges you to contact your State Representative and request a "yes" vote on House Bill 176.

• All persons deserve equal opportunity, and Ohio should make it a priority to eliminate discriminatory practices in matters of recruitment, employment, promotion, compensation and retention. 
• House Bill 176 takes a significant step towards equal opportunity in Ohio by providing fundamental protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
• I urge the passage of House Bill 176 so that Ohio can join numerous other states and the vast majority of Fortune 500 companies in banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.  It is time to provide these basic protections to all Ohioans.

Subject: Please Pass HB176

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

All persons deserve equal opportunity, and Ohio should make it a priority to eliminate discriminatory practices in matters of recruitment, employment, promotion, compensation and retention.

House Bill 176 takes a significant step towards equal opportunity by prohibiting discriminatory practices on the basis of "sexual orientation" and "gender identity and expression" in employment, housing or public accommodations.

I urge the passage of House Bill 176 so that Ohio can join numerous other states and the vast majority of Fortune 500 companies in banning discrimination based on sexual orientation. It is time to provide these basic protections to all Ohioans.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]