Gross Stands in Solidarity with the Cuban People

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House Government Oversight Committee today began hearings on House Resolution 103, which expresses support for the Cuban people in their fight for freedom.

“This resolution shows that we, as Ohioans, stand with the people of Cuba and their fight for freedom and a new life,” said resolution sponsor State Rep. Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester). “Ohio should stand in solidarity with the Cuban people and call for the release of all political prisoners and for the end of acts of repression and other human rights abuse.”

Gross noted during her testimony that she introduced this resolution when a constituent of hers shared his personal story with her at a town hall. This constituent, a Cuban American with family still in Havana, is a part of the roughly 7,600 Cuban Americans living in Ohio, according to data from Central Ohio Diversity.

According to the U.S. Department of State’s 2020 County Report on Human Rights Practices in Cuba, significant human rights abuses include unlawful and arbitrary killings, torture and cruel, inhumane, degrading treatment of political dissidents, harsh and life-threatening prison conditions and more.

The resolution also urges other democracies and regional and multilateral organizations to affirm that violence against the unarmed people of Cuba will not be tolerated. 

H.R. 103 now awaits additional committee hearings.