'Provide Protection To LGBTQ+ Ohioans,' Bipartisan Coalition Says

COLUMBUS, OH — Ohio is one of 27 states that allows individuals to be denied jobs, housing and other services based on sexual orientation or gender identity, according to Movement Advancement Project.

A bipartisan coalition is trying to change that by introducing anti-discrimination legislation for the LGBTQ+ community.

The Ohio Fairness Act — which would provide statewide protections for LGBTQ+ people — was reintroduced Thursday by state Sen. Nickie Antonio, state Rep. Michael Skindell, both from Lakewood, and Republican colleagues like state Sen. Michael Rulli. They were joined by representatives from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Equality Ohio, American Civil Liberties Union, business owners and a faith leader.

“I believe that every person deserves these fundamental protections in order to fully participate in our society free from fear, harassment, and discrimination. It is time for the State of Ohio to act to ensure that the basic civil rights of all Ohioans are being protected,” said Antonio during a press conference announcing the legislation.

Skindell noted that he has cosponsored the Ohio Fairness Act annually since 2003. Antonio has been involved with the Ohio Fairness Act since she was first elected in 2011. The bill has never been passed, but support has grown over the intervening decades.

Skindell and Antonio, both Democrats, were joined by Rulli, a Republican, from Salem. Rulli cosponsored the Ohio Fairness Act during this General Assembly.

"Since I have been in office, I have striven to make Ohio a place where our kids can build meaningful and fulfilling lives. They don’t need to move to another state, they can feel at home right here. This legislation can help all people feel accepted in our great state, and I am proud to be a part of it," Rulli said.

More than 800 Ohio companies have signaled their support for the Ohio Fairness Act, including the Cleveland Indians and Cincinnati Reds, the American Heart Association, WJER Radio, Howard Hanna and many more.

“As we work to grow our economy and lower unemployment, we must not allow discrimination of any form to occur,”Skindell said. “Qualified and competent employees can currently lose their jobs because of who they are or whom they love. Ohio should be a welcoming place to attract and retain the most talented workers. This legislation will also provide equity and fairness in the housing market.”