Rep. Russo statement as U.S. Supreme Court rules workers cannot be fired for LGBTQ status

State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) issued a statement following today’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling which held LGBTQ workers are protected from workplace discrimination under federal law.

“Equality won today!” said Rep. Russo. “No one should be fired from their job because of who they love or who they are. While this is a historic win and much-needed good news for America, we must also keep fighting to provide comprehensive protections for LGBTQ Ohioans. That means passing the bipartisan Ohio Fairness Act, which would fully extend non-discrimination protections in housing and public accommodations, as well as the workplace.”

Democrats have pushed the bipartisan Ohio Fairness Act, which would expand LGBTQ protections to include not just employment, but also housing and services in Ohio. The then-Democrat led Ohio House passed similar legislation in 2009, but Republicans have stalled the legislation in subsequent General Assemblies.

Additionally, House Democrats last year called out Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) for not extending anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ House employees—the only state employees without explicit protections.