Antonio Provides Testimony on Ohio Fairness Act

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) provided sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 132, the “Ohio Fairness Act.” This legislation is modeled after the 2020 Supreme Court decision, Bostock v. Clayton County, and would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or public accommodations.

“For the estimated half a million LGBTQ+ Ohioans, fairness is long overdue,” said Antonio. “This bill would send a message that the LGBTQ+ community is welcome in Ohio and that we are open for business, tourism, and travelers while also recruiting the best and the brightest workers. Making Ohio more equitable would boost the economy by fostering a more inclusive workforce and inclusive environments that attract diverse talent, driving innovation and growth across industries.”

Although Ohio is one of 27 states without laws protecting individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the concept has garnered support from the business community across the state of Ohio. More than 1,350 businesses have joined Ohio Business Competes, a nonpartisan coalition of businesses that support nondiscrimination policies similar to those proposed in the Ohio Fairness Act.

Leader Antonio has introduced the Ohio Fairness Act in every General Assembly since she was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2011 with growing bipartisan support each year. In this General Assembly, the legislation is co-sponsored by every member of the Senate Democratic Caucus, as well as Senators George Lang (R-West Chester) and Nathan Manning (R-North Ridgeville).

Senate Bill 132 now awaits further hearings in the Senate Government Oversight Committee.