Committee Cancelation Pushes Ohio Fairness Act Hearings Into 2018

From The State of Ohio: State Rep. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) today expressed disappointment with the delay of a second hearing on House Bill (HB) 160, which is being rescheduled for an unspecified date in January. HB 160 would bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas of employment, housing and public accommodations in Ohio.

“HB 160 is supported by many of Ohio’s most successful businesses and has the potential to serve as an economic catalyst to drive innovation, spur investment and attract the best and brightest to Ohio,” said Rep. Antonio. “We’re not deterred by this delay, and I look forward to hearing from our local and statewide chambers of commerce and over 200 businesses who have joined Ohio Business Competes to support fairness for all Ohioans as we continue hearings in the new year.”

Ohio remains one of 28 states without clear, inclusive, non-discrimination protections for the LGBT community. Nineteen Ohio cities have already passed non-discrimination ordinances, and 80 percent of top employers in Ohio have corporate policies that prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Image Courtesy of The State of Ohio