The LGBTQ+ community in Ohio will be watching the Ohio House of Representatives Judiciary Committee meeting on March 25, during which hearings on two anti-LGBTQ+ bills are underway, and one of them is scheduled for a possible vote.
HB 249, Ohio’s drag ban
First, the committee will hold its fourth hearing on HB 249, “Passing the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act” which would ban drag queen and gender-specific performances outside “adult cabarets” or any public place where a minor may be present.
Last Wednesday, during the third hearing, drag queens and LGBTQ+ advocates from across the state testified against the bill. Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp) was aggressive toward witnesses throughout the hearing, vehemently telling them that they were wrong and that only his interpretation of the Constitution and the law was correct, even if the witnesses were co-lawyers.
In one fiery exchange, he immediately dismissed the public policy director’s testimony Ohio Planned Parenthood supporters AND Planned Parenthood Greater OhioDanielle Firsich, due to his opposition to her employer.
Firsich was quick to respond that Williams was not on solid moral ground, considering that the bill’s other major sponsor – Rep. Angie King (R-Celina) – stood with neo-Nazis to protest Pride celebrations, and the bill’s co-sponsor – Rep. Rodney Creech (R-Alexandria West) – was accused of sexual harassment with a minor, leading to his being stripped of his committee seat by his own party.
A fourth anti-stall “Eventual Vote” hearing is scheduled next week, meaning the committee will be able to vote on whether to adopt the bill. There are nine Republicans on the 13-member committee – including Williams – which will likely lead to passage of the bill.
Later in the afternoon, the House convenes in full session, during which the bill could move to the Senate, given that Republicans hold 65 of the 99 seats.
HB 693, First Family Affirmation Act
Later, at the same Judiciary Committee meeting, lawmakers will hear a second hearing on HB 693, “Act One on the Affirmation of the Family”, that would protect parents who reject their trans minor children.
The bill redefines “affirmation” as a parent’s right to recognize only their child’s gender at birth and not allow their rejection of their transgender child to be used against them by any court or state agency.
The first hearing on this bill was held on March 11 and included testimony from the bill’s sponsors: again, both Williams and Click, both sponsors of countless anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
The hearing became noticeably controversial when Democratic lawmakers sharply opposed Republican co-sponsors over the bill’s anti-transgender underpinnings. When asked if he believed transgender people even exist, Click called it a “trick question” before giving an answer full of false data.
Next week’s HB 693 hearing will feature testimony from supporters: those who support the bill. This witness list will likely include paid consultants who travel across the country to testify in support of bills that deny or seek to ban the trans-American experiences of transgender Americans.
In the program of the 10th Rep. Click reported that Jaime Reed will visit Ohio soon and will likely testify on Wednesday. Reed – a self-described “courageous public whistleblower for the U.S. Pediatric Equality Clinic” – touts that she testified in 17 states in 2025. Click repeatedly highlights Reed as an ally of his legislation, making sure to refer to her as a “lesbian,” claiming that “many” lesbian, gay and bisexual people are on his side.
After Wednesday’s hearing, HB 693 will then be scheduled for opposing testimony – those who oppose the bill – at a future hearing as early as next week. 🔥
START ACTION
- Members of the Ohio House of Representatives Judiciary Committee are listed Here.
- Buckeye Flame Ohio’s 2025 LGBTQ+ Legislation Guide can be found here.
- To register to vote or check your eligibility to vote in Ohio, click here.
- To find the contact information for your Ohio State Representative, click here.
- To find contact information for an Ohio State Senator, click here.
- If you are a juvenile LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact Trevor’s project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
- If you are a transgender adult in need of immediate aid, please contact National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
