Reps. Rader, Lett Continue Fight Against Anti-LGTBQ Discrimination with Reintroduction of Ohio Fairness Act

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) and Crystal Lett (D-Columbus) today reintroduced 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.

“In Ohio, Republicans have focused too long on creating solutions to nonexistent problems which continues to alienate our LGBTQ+ friends, neighbors, and family members,” said Rep. Rader. “Last year, Ohio was ranked 32nd in the nation for inclusion and was labeled as a “notable risk” for LGBTQ+ discrimination. This legislation is the most basic attempt we can make in ensuring that all people can call Ohio home.”

Since 2003, the “Ohio Fairness Act” has been reintroduced 12 times and this year marks the first time since 2018 that it has garnered no Republican support. The Republican controlled statehouse has failed to repeal Ohio’s dormant same-sex marriage ban, prohibit “conversion therapy,” and remove antiquated HIV criminalization laws passed in the 1980s. Instead, Republicans have passed legislation to ban certain healthcare for transgender youth which led to a surge of calls to a LGBTQ+ youth crisis hotline.

“Our goal is to make sure Ohio is not at a disadvantage in the recruitment, attraction, and retention of top talent and investment,” said Rep. Lett. “In order to compete, Ohio businesses need the best and brightest talent from all walks of life to feel welcome and to call Ohio home. These protections will show that Ohio is a hospitable and welcoming place to live, work, and start a business.”

Although Ohio is one of 27 states without laws protecting individuals from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the concept has gained wide support from the business community in 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.” This coalition includes OhioHealth, Huntington, AEP, Jeni’s Ice Cream, Ohio State University, Cleveland Clinic, and many more.

While this legislation awaits referral to a House committee, Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio has reintroduced the companion legislation as Senate Bill 70.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Pictures of Rep. Rader and Rep. Lett introducing this legislation are attached to this press release. Courtesy: Rep. Rader’s office.