In 2004, Athens County set a clear standard for inclusiveness in the state for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens and visitors. Athens County was the only county of the 88 in Ohio to vote down the state constitutional amendment that now outlaws marriage equality and restricts the rights of LGBT people to full citizenship.
We made news with that proud outcome. Since 2004, the city of Athens has continued to make Athens and Athens County a more welcoming place for LGBT people, but the same cannot be said of the county leadership. The county commissioners have remained silent on such inclusive issues — until now.
Mike O’Brien, a Democratic candidate for Athens County Commissioner, has promised a change from apathy, fear and neglect. O’Brien has advocated for a countywide anti-discrimination resolution and for offering domestic partnership benefits to county employees. O’Brien has publicly stated, “The county should have pushed for legislation prohibiting discrimination of LGBT people before the city. My view on this issue and support for domestic partnership benefits for county employees is clear — yes.”
In the recent debate, he further added, “I support domestic partnership benefits for LGBT citizens in our county. When over 100 members of the Fortune 500 already offer these benefits to employees, such a stance makes our county more attractive to perspective businesses, and it is simply the right thing to do.” I applaud such comments from any candidate running for any public office. While I would never encourage folks to let one issue sway them, I do encourage others to take a closer look at O’Brien’s proactive initiatives and inclusive approach.
I want to publicly thank O’Brien for his vocal leadership in making Athens County a more welcoming place for LGBT people to live in and visit. I encourage all of our county candidates and current leaders to follow O’Brien’s lead to push for the equality of all of our county’s citizens in an effort to make our fine county a more welcoming place for all.
Mickey Hart is the director of the Ohio University LGBTA Center
