Antonio Applauds Protection of Parental Rights for People with Disabilities
December 15, 2022
Nickie J. Antonio News
Today, state Senator Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) announced the House’s passage and the Senate's concurrence on Senate Bill 202. The legislation, joint-sponsored by Senators Antonio and Bob Hackett (R-London), would prohibit a person's disability from being used to deny or limit custody, parenting time, visitation, adoption or service as a guardian or foster caregiver.
“According to testimony we heard from proponents, Ohio, more than any state, cites parental disability as the primary and/or sole reason for removal of children from their families of origin,” Antonio said. “This legislation will safeguard our children’s interests while helping to keep families together in Ohio.”
According to a report by the National Council on Disability, approximately four million parents in the United States have a disability. Thirteen percent of parents with physical disabilities have reported discriminatory treatment in custody cases. Additionally, parents who are deaf or blind report extremely high rates of child removal and loss of parental rights. Parents with disabilities are also more likely to lose custody of their children after divorce.
“Every Ohioan is owed due process and equal protection under law,” Antonio said. “Senate Bill 202 will ensure that preconceived notions or biases against people with disabilities are not used to unfairly deprive them of their parental rights.”
Senate Bill 202 now heads to Governor DeWine for his signature.
“According to testimony we heard from proponents, Ohio, more than any state, cites parental disability as the primary and/or sole reason for removal of children from their families of origin,” Antonio said. “This legislation will safeguard our children’s interests while helping to keep families together in Ohio.”
According to a report by the National Council on Disability, approximately four million parents in the United States have a disability. Thirteen percent of parents with physical disabilities have reported discriminatory treatment in custody cases. Additionally, parents who are deaf or blind report extremely high rates of child removal and loss of parental rights. Parents with disabilities are also more likely to lose custody of their children after divorce.
“Every Ohioan is owed due process and equal protection under law,” Antonio said. “Senate Bill 202 will ensure that preconceived notions or biases against people with disabilities are not used to unfairly deprive them of their parental rights.”
Senate Bill 202 now heads to Governor DeWine for his signature.