Antonio, Skindell Announce Reintroduction of the Ohio Fairness Act

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Representative Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) announced the reintroduction of the Ohio Fairness Act, legislation to prohibit discrimination of LGBTQ+ Ohioans.

“With statehouses across the country introducing legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community at an unprecedented rate, including here in Ohio, we believe a shift toward hope, opportunity and fairness is necessary,” said Leader Antonio. “The Ohio Fairness Act reflects our unwavering commitment to the ideal that all individuals are created equal and endowed with the rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Discrimination has no place in Ohio. This legislation is a clear statement that we stand on the side of justice, inclusivity and equal opportunity for all.”

“Inclusive policies will better attract workers and business investments in Ohio,” said Rep. Skindell. “We have a diverse LGBTQ+ community in Ohio and it is clear our laws must be updated to better reflect our ever-changing state, which can be done by the passage of the Ohio Fairness Act.”

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. More than 1,300 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).

The full press conference can be found here.