LGBT Rights Legislation

HB 160 – Ohio Fairness Act (2017-2018)

To amend sections 9.03, 124.93, 125.111, 153.59, 153.591, 340.12, 511.03, 717.01, 1501.012, 1751.18, 2927.03, 3113.36, 3301.53, 3304.15, 3304.50, 3314.06, 3332.09, 3721.13, 3905.55, 4111.17, 4112.01, 4112.02, 4112.021, 4112.04, 4112.05, 4112.08, 4117.19, 4735.16, 4735.55, 4757.07, 4758.16, 4765.18, 5104.09, 5107.26, 5123.351, 5126.07, 5165.08, 5515.08, and 5709.832 of the Revised Code to enact the Ohio Fairness Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, to add mediation to the list of informal methods by which the Ohio Civil Rights Commission may use to induce compliance with Ohio's Civil Rights Law before instituting a formal hearing, and to uphold existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law.

Link to Bill:

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA132-HB-160

Summary:

HB 160 changes Ohio’s anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as protected classes, expanding legal protections in housing, employment, and access to public services. The bill also provides a restatement of First Amendment principles and current case law.

Primary Sponsors:

Rep. Antonio (D)

Secondary Sponsors:

K (D), Rep. Boggs (D), Rep. Boyd (D), Rep. Celebrezze (D), Rep. Clyde (D), Rep. Craig (D), Rep. Kelly (D), Rep. Kent (D), Rep. Leland (D), Rep. Lepore-Hagan (D), Rep. Miller (D), Rep. Ramos (D), Rep. Sheehy (D), Rep. Smith, Rep. Strahorn (D), Rep. Sykes (D), Rep. West (D)

Committee:

Government Accountability and Oversight (H)

Companion Bill:

SB 100

LSC Legislation Status:

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-status?id=GA132-HB-160

Jurisdiction/Legislation Level:

State

Our take on this bill:

While LGBT Ohioans have made great strides toward equality, they still do not enjoy the same legal protections against discrimination afforded to other Ohioans. Gay and transgender people are our friends, neighbors, family and coworkers. When it comes to being able to earn a living, having a place to live, or being served by a business or government office, they should be treated like anyone else and not be discriminated against.

HB 160 strengthens Ohio’s existing anti-discrimination laws by adding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression to protect LGBT people and those who may be perceived as LGBT. This measure protects LGBT people statewide, bringing them a step closer to full access to their legal rights.

Bill Status: