FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | May 25, 2004

Lesbian Couple Settles Lawsuit Against Westminster Oaks Retirement Community

(Tallahassee, FL, May 25, 2004) — Sheila Ortiz-Taylor and Joy Lewis are pleased that they have reached an amicable resolution of their housing discrimination claim brought against Presbyterian Retirement Communities, Inc. (PRC), of which Westminster Oaks is a member. Westminster Oaks is a quality not-for-profit retirement community whose mission is to provide housing and services to older adults. Ms. Ortiz-Taylor and Ms. Lewis are looking forward to being a part of the Westminster Community. "We are pleased that PRC has made clear that all qualified applicants have equal access to its facilities," said Ms. Ortiz-Talyor and Ms. Lewis.

Ms. Ortiz-Taylor and Ms. Lewis were represented by the National Center for Lesbian Rights in consultation with Equality Florida.

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.

About Equality Florida
Equality Florida is a statewide education and advocacy organization dedicated to building a state of equal rights for all Floridians inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.