Click's Bipartisan 'Testing Your Faith Act' Approved by General Assembly

State Rep. Gary Click (R-Vickery) announces his legislation known as the “Testing Your Faith Act,” under House Bill 353 co-sponsored by State Rep. Jessica Miranda, was approved by the General Assembly on Wednesday.

This legislation will enact a section of the Ohio Revised Code to require each state institution of higher education to adopt a policy providing students with religious accommodations. Click notes that Ohio is home to religious diversity within both the workplace and the classroom. 

“The diversity of Ohio comes in many forms including religious diversity,” Click said. “Students in our universities come from a variety of Christian denominations, Jewish traditions, Muslim sects and other systems of belief. The one force that should unite all faiths is religious freedom and liberty.”

After passing both chambers, the bill received bipartisan support throughout the legislative process.

“Individuals pursuing higher education face many necessary challenges and stressors that build their character and confidence,” said Click. “However, one conflict that they should not have to face is the decision between academic excellence and religious fidelity. I strongly believe that no students should be required to jeopardize their academic standing in order to observe a religious holiday. I’m very pleased to see this get across the finish line and I look forward to it being signed into law.”

House Bill 353 now moves to the governor for his consideration.