Local
The first law in the United States to recognize the rights of a specific ecosystem will appear in federal court tomorrow. The Lake Erie Bill of Rights (LEBOR) was adopted nearly one year ago by Toledo, Ohio, residents, as they faced continued threats to their drinking water and no remedy from state government. The historic law was immediately challenged by an organization claiming to be an agribusiness farm.
Tomorrow, corporate attorneys from Voyrs, Sater, Seymour and Pease will argue that their corporate client has the power to get the court to veto LEBOR. The State of Ohio will also argue that the municipal law (adopted by 61% of Toledoans who voted) violates the state’s authority as the “sole protector of Ohio waterways.”
Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 1:30 – 4:00 PM
It’s time for equality. Join us at the Ohio Statehouse for public testimony on the Ohio Fairness Act (HB369). #OHFairnessAct would protect LGBTQ people from discrimination throughout the entire state. Location: Ohio Statehouse, Columbus. More information on Facebook.
Sunday, January 26, 2-4PM
82 E. 16th Ave.
We’re cooking to share a meal outside the downtown YMCA shelter again — bring whatever vegan(ish) food you can find, or just bring yourself to help prepare the meal, or just come over for conversation and company. New people are Always welcome! The address on the event is where the cooking itself will occur. (We're test-running a new cooking location that is a bit bigger, and is wheelchair accessible)
We'll gather our resources by 2pm and start prepping a meal to serve, Should be done cooking by 5pm and then go to the YMCA on W Long St & N Front St and then to set up (hopefully by 5.15-5.30pm) a community picnic for those in need (picnic usually lasts only an hour til we're out of food). Come help (learn) to cook, or come help with the serve ... just let us know you are actually coming :)
All are welcome to come with, and we should be able to find you a ride if needed.
Saturday, January 25, 10am-2pm
King Arts Complex, 867 Mt. Vernon Ave.
Join Equality Ohio Legal Clinic Saturday, January 25th, for a free record sealing legal clinic hosted in partnership with Legal Aid Society of Columbus, the Franklin County Municipal Court Self Resource Help Center, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Justice Policy & Programs, and the Ohio Justice & Policy Center.
During this event, volunteer attorneys will be available to assist with applications for sealing and expungement of criminal records.
This event is free and open to the public, and is not limited to just the LGBTQ community. No need to RSVP. As long as you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the event, we can still serve you.
Thursday, January 23, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Columbus Firefighters Union Local 67
379 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215
A rally will be held at 5pm on Thursday, January 23, 2020, to protest the Franklin County Democratic Party’s (FCDP) release of its endorsements of candidates for the Central Committee, the Ohio 3rd Congressional District primary, and other state offices. Under the FCDP endorsement system, the Party will now create a sample ballot of their preferred candidates and send it to all registered Democrats. Voters are encouraged to take this sanctioned list to the polling station and vote according to the FCDP recommendations.
Wednesday, January 22, 2020, 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Join us for a community meeting to gain input on a possible Pregnancy/Parenting/Reproductive Health Care Non-Discrimination Ordinance for the City of Columbus. We want to hear from the community about how something like this could/would have been useful to you or someone you know as well as any concerns you may have. Childcare will be provided so feel free to bring the little ones. RSVP required so we know how many kids to expect! Location: Columbus Public Library, 1113 Parsons Ave, Columbus. Facebook.
Statement put out by the Columbus Freedom Coalition:
Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a day meant to honor the legacy of one of the most influential freedom fighters in history. Martin Luther King dreamed of a world where Black children were not judged by the color of their skin. But today, two protestors were arrested during Columbus’ MLK day brunch, solely for asking the city to acknowledge the execution of Julius Tate, Jr. While the city puts on celebratory airs, there is an ongoing targeted assault and war against Black communities in this country.
Monday, January 20, 8am-12noon, First AME [African Methodist Episcopal] Zion Church, 873 Bryden Rd.
Police Officers for Equal Rights [POER] invites the Central Ohio community to attend our 25th Annual Free Community Breakfast on the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.
A free breakfast will be served, 8-10am. A community program of gospel music, videos, and a keynote speaker, will be held in the sanctuary, 10am-12noon.
Contact: Tyrone Thomas, 614-668-4837 or tyronetho@msn.com
Please send monetary donations [check or money order] to: Police Officers for Equal Rights [POER], P.O. Box 27040, Columbus, OH 43227.