Bill introduced to ban LGBT discrimination
An Ohio legislator from near Cleveland has launched another attempt at a bill to ban discrimination in housing, employment and other areas based on a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
And just like in past years, the measure is likely going nowhere in the GOP-dominated General Assembly.
Rep. Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, who is a lesbian, introduced House Bill 160. She called it a “fair proposal that will simply give people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender the same freedom to work, the same freedom to live where they choose, and the same full equal participation in society, just as anyone else in Ohio.”
She added, “No one should be denied access to a home and all that comes with that responsibility, no one should live in fear of losing their job, or be denied the right to pursue a career and be a contributing member of society.” Comparable legislation has been introduced repeatedly in the past, and a similar bill passed the Ohio House when Democrats controlled that chamber in 2009.
But the Republicancontrolled Senate quashed the bill in that session and during subsequent ones, and majority party members have given no indication that the legislation would move this session, either. Republican members of the Government Accountability and Oversight Committee asked no questions about the bill during Wednesday’s initial hearing.
Entitled the Ohio Fairness Act, the measure would prohibit discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, similar to protections already in place for age, race and religious affiliation. Antonio said her bill also reaffirms religious exemptions that currently exist in state law.
Opponents of the legislation have objected for moral reasons or voiced concern that it would increase costs to businesses.
Proponents say more than 20 states already ban LGBT discrimination, as do numerous Ohio cities, counties, universities and employers — including the Ohio House and Senate.
Antonio said the legal protections are needed for the estimated 300,000 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender residents in Ohio who face discrimination in housing, workplaces and elsewhere.
“All Ohioans, including those from the LGBT community, should have the chance to get ahead and be full and complete citizens with the promise and protections of liberty and the right to take care of their families,” she said.
“They should not have to fear that they’ll be evicted from their home based on their gender identity, or fired from their job based upon whom they love. The basic fairness protections offered with this bill signal that Ohio wants to be competitive and move forward into the future.”
Antonio said her two children, both in their 30s, opted to move to other states with more progressive policies.
“It breaks my heart that my children would not consider right now raising their children in Ohio because they don’t see Ohio as a place that would embrace them,” she said. “I think it’s time for Ohio to change rather than have people leave the state.”