State Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) provided sponsor testimony Wednesday in support of the Fairness Act (SB 132), a bill that would expand the definition of sex discrimination in the Ohio Revised Code to include sexual orientation and identity or expression sexual.
“This is a fair proposal that will simply ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have the same freedom and access to jobs, housing and services as anyone else in Ohio,” Antonio told the Senate Government Oversight Committee.
First introduced in 2008the Fairness Act failed to pass 10 times in the Ohio Legislature.
Antonio — one of only two LGBTQ+ state legislators in Ohio — has introduced a bill in every General Assembly since she was first elected in 2011.
Ohio is one of 27 states that do not have laws protecting individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Fairness Act is supported by all members of the state Senate Democratic Caucus, as well as two Republicans: Sens. George Lang (West Chester right) and Nathan Manning (North Ridgeville right).
Antonio said SB 132 would not create novel protected classes or infringe on religious freedom. She further emphasized that passing the Fairness Act would send a message that the LGBTQ+ community is welcome in Ohio and enable the state to recruit the best and brightest talent.
“Treatment [LGBTQ+] candid people could create long-term economic benefits for our country,” she said.
It is unlikely that the Justice Act will be able to complete the entire legislative process before the end of the current General Assembly in tardy 2024.
“Chairman Antonio hopes to be heard,” her office told The Buckeye Flame. 🔥
START ACTION
- Learn about all of Ohio’s current LGBTQ legislation by checking out our Legislative Guide here.
- Contact members of the Government Oversight Committee Here weigh in SB 132.
