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Rep. Skindell applauds U.S. Supreme Court decision, continues to advocate for Ohio to pass the broader Fairness Act to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ community.

June 15, 2020
Michael J. Skindell News

State Representative Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement on today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme in Bostock v. Clayon County, Georgia, which concluded that under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act that it is illegal for an employer to fire someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity:

“The decision of the U.S. Supreme today is a welcomed victory for justice for the LGBTQ+ community.  The narrow decision ends employment-based discrimination under Federal law. The decision underscores the need to pass the Ohio Fairness Act introduced in the current legislative session by Representatives Hillyer and Skindell in the Ohio House as House Bill 369 and by Senator Antonio in the Ohio Senate as Senate Bill 11.  

“The proposed Ohio Fairness Act embodies broader non-discrimination policies, not only in employment, but in housing, health care, and insurance coverage, for example. In addition, Federal Title VII applies to larger employers with 15 or more employees and Ohio’s discrimination laws cover employers with five or more employees. Ohio law also covers discrimination claims against management where they ‘aid and abet’ discrimination within the workplace.

“Most people already believe that the LGBTQ+ community is already protected by non-discrimination laws. That is not the case. People can be denied not only employment but also housing and health coverage because of their sexual orientation, identity or expression. I have been working for more than 18 years in the legislature for the passage of comprehensive non-discrimination legislation in Ohio. Ohio needs to pass the Ohio Fairness Act to ensure fairness and equality throughout the state and to promote a welcoming place to live and work.”

In the Ohio House, the Ohio Fairness Act is in the Civil Justice Committee.  It has had three hearings, the last of which was on February 4, 2020.