Bipartisan Sponsors Support Ban on Sexual Orientation Discrimination

Rep. Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville) joined forces with Rep. Michael Skindell (D-Lakewood) this week in presenting sponsor testimony in support of legislation to expand Ohio’s anti-discrimination law. Dubbed the “Ohio Fairness Act,” House Bill 369 is the companion to Senate Bill 11, which was approved by the Senate earlier this year.

The bill would add sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to the state’s anti-discrimination laws designed to protect people from unfair labor, housing, and other discrimination. The legislation has support throughout the business community, including that of the OMA. It is unclear if or when the House will hold a second hearing on the bill. 11/19/2019