The Lake Erie Bill of Rights is the first proposed rights-based law to advance in the U.S. that specifically focuses on a distinct ecosystem. If adopted, the measure will secure the Lake’s rights to exist and flourish.
The Blade, Lake Erie Bill of Rights, November 23, 2018.
Since 2016, CELDF has partnered with Toledoans for Safe Water to recognize the rights of the Lake. This includes defending their democratic right to vote as numerous industry representatives and their allies have tried to block the Lake Erie Bill of Rights initiative from the ballot.
Support for the Lake’s rights is growing, from within Toledo to across the U.S. and internationally:
In Toledo
Locally, a member of the Cleveland.com editorial board cheered the recent Ohio Supreme Court decision recognizing the right of Toledo residents to vote on the Lake Erie Bill of Rights in February.
in Louisiana
Our allies in Louisiana highlight how the Toledo community is trailblazing a path for communities who are geographically diverse but share similar water threats in this story in The Bayou Brief.
International Support
Our partners with Australian Earth Laws Alliance show their support for the Lake Erie Bill of Rights in their op-ed for The Toledo Blade.
In your community
Show your support for recognizing the Rights of Lake Erie – sign on here!
in the media
Check out the growing coverage of the Lake Erie Bill of Rights:
- Mother Jones: Mother Jones: Holy, Toledo! This Ohio City Is Voting to Give Legal Rights to a Lake
- Le Monde: Residents of Toledo, Ohio Called to Give Lake Erie Legal Status for Survival
- CNN: An Ohio city will vote on whether Lake Erie has the same rights as a person
- The New York Times: Legal Rights for Lake Erie? Voters in Ohio City Will Decide
- The Guardian: Fighting pollution: Toledo residents want personhood status for Lake Erie
Featured image: Sea breeze by Mark K. Flickr Creative Commons
Second image: Lake Erie Bill of Rights, The Blade, November 23, 2018