Celebrating PRIDE 2014

_{Original custom artwork by the amazing Paul Richmond}

EQUALITY FOR EVERYONE REQUIRES NO JUSTIFICATION.
It’s simply the right, just, and moral thing to do. That’s why I’m proud to have taken the lead
and brought forward to my colleagues a Resolution formally declaring support for
Marriage Equality for ALL Ohioans.

In Recognition of
WHY MARRIAGE MATTERS OHIO
and in support of
MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN OHIO

WHEREAS, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners has adopted a Statement of Ethical Principles that embraces diversity and inclusiveness; and,

WHEREAS, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners has adopted, via Policy Number BOC-10.03, a policy of non-discrimination, and further, via Resolution 286-08, has specifically expressed a commitment to fully-inclusive diversity; and,

WHEREAS, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, via Resolution 658-09 has extended healthcare and other benefits to all spouses and domestic partners regardless of gender; and,

WHEREAS, the Franklin County Commissioners all believe that marriage equality is an issue of civil rights and individual dignity; and,

WHEREAS, marriage equality provides important legal and economic protections as well as social and emotional benefits for all committed couples; and,

WHEREAS, Why Marriage Matters Ohio is a coalition grassroots education campaign to build support for marriage equality in Ohio for same-sex couples; now, therefore, upon motion of Commissioner O’Grady, seconded by Commissioner Brooks;

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO:

That the Franklin County Board of Commissioners does hereby support the efforts of Why Marriage Matters Ohio to achieve equality in Ohio’s marriage laws for all committed couples, and encourages all Ohioans to support full and inclusive marriage equality.

I’ll see you at the Stonewall PRIDE parade – I’ll be judging the floats along with my favorite PRIDE friends, and then my family and I can’t wait to meet
Mr Oh Myyy!, George Takei, at the brunch.

In Recognition of
STONEWALL COLUMBUS
And in Celebration of
THE 2014 PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL

WHEREAS, Franklin County residents are proud and fortunate to live in a place where all are welcome and diversity is celebrated; and,

WHEREAS, Franklin County comes together each June to commemorate the generations of courageous lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Central Ohioans and their allies who have long struggled to bring the fundamental American promise of freedom, fairness, and equality under the law to all Americans; and,

WHEREAS, Stonewall Columbus has served Central Ohio for 33 years, and sponsored the Pride Parade and Festival for 30 years, growing them to the largest such celebrations in the region; and,

WHEREAS, members of Stonewall Columbus and attendees of the annual Pride Parade and Festival represent some of the best that Franklin County has to offer, and a yearly reminder of the love that be found in Central Ohio; and,

WHEREAS, the annual Pride Parade and Festival serve also as a beacon for smart, creative, successful, loving people, and represent an inclusive, forward-looking community that is the fastest growing county in the state because of its vibrancy, its diversity, and its opportunities; and,

WHEREAS, Stonewall Columbus and the Pride Parade and Festival are assets to Franklin County and all of Central Ohio; now, therefore, upon motion of Commissioner O’Grady, seconded by Commissioner Brooks;

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, FRANKLIN COUNTY, OHIO:

To recognize and congratulate, on behalf of all Franklin County residents, STONEWALL COLUMBUS for its decades of service, and to celebrate the 2014 PRIDE PARADE AND FESTIVAL.