Kim Welter Is Selected Campaign Manager for ONE Bowling Green Campaign

Kim Welter Selected Campaign Manager for ONE Bowling Green Campaign

EQUALITY OHIO DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH RECEIVES LEAVE OF ABSENCE

COLUMBUS, OH - July 12, 2010 - Equality Ohio's Kim Welter will be joining ONE Bowling Green as Campaign Manager effective July 15, 2010. Meanwhile, she will be taking a leave of absence from her position as Director of Programs and Outreach at Equality Ohio.

"I am thrilled to get working on this campaign," Welter said of her new position. "Bowling Green is the only city in the country that will have an anti-gay referendum on the ballot this fall. This success of this campaign is crucial to forwarding equality in Ohio and educating Ohio voters on the importance non-discrimination protections for all Ohioans."

ONE Bowling Green is a grassroots campaign organized to protect the Bowling Green Non-Discrimination Ordinances. The ordinances, which were passed by Bowling Green City Council in August 2009, provide protection against discrimination to the city's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender citizens. Furthermore, protections were expanded to eliminate discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, veteran status, physical appearance, marital status, HIV status, and genetic information.

"Equality Ohio is very proud of Kim", stated Sue Doerfer, Executive Director. "Although we will miss her at Equality Ohio, One Bowling Green could not be getting a better campaign manager."

Despite the overwhelming support of city council, the ordinances were petitioned against by local citizens, putting the issue on the ballot for the November 2010 elections.

Welter added, "This is an issue of fairness. We believe that both the residents of and visitors to Bowling Green should be treated fairly and equally at home, work, play and school. The Non-Discrimination Ordinances protect those who are most likely to encounter inequitable treatment."

Election Day will be Tuesday, November 2.

More information about ONE Bowling Green can be found on our website www.equalityohio.org