Rep. Skindell to reintroduce bipartisan Ohio Fairness Act

COLUMBUS— In a virtual press conference today, State. Rep. Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) announced he will be reintroducing the Ohio Fairness Act, bipartisan legislation that would protect LGBTQ+ Ohioans from discrimination in employment, housing and accommodations. Rep. Skindell has sponsored or co-sponsored versions of the Ohio Fairness Act every legislative session since 2003.

“As we work to grow our economy and lower unemployment, we must not allow discrimination of any form to occur,” said Rep. Skindell. “Qualified and competent employees can currently lose their jobs because of who they are or whom they love. Ohio should be a welcoming place to attract and retain the most talented workers. Passage of the Ohio Fairness Act fulfills the Ohio Promise as it will make Ohio a welcoming place to live, raise a family, work and retire.”

Ohio remains one of 27 states where individuals can be denied jobs, housing and services based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In Ohio, more than two dozen communities have enacted ordinances protecting LGBTQ+ residents, but the majority of Ohioans still don’t have protection from discrimination.

The majority of Ohio business owners support adding LGBTQ+ non-discrimination to Ohio law, with more than 50 percent saying nondiscrimination laws improve businesses’ bottom lines. More than 800 leading Ohio businesses and organizations have backed the Ohio Fairness Act, which they say will attract workers, increase investment and grow the state’s economy.

The Ohio Fairness Act virtual press conference can be viewed here.