LGBT Rights Legislation

SB 100 – 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, 4112.024, 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 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 must attempt to induce compliance with Ohio's Civil Rights Law before instituting a formal hearing, and to eliminate certain religious exemptions from the Ohio Civil Rights Law.

Link to Bill:

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-summary?id=GA132-SB-100

Status:

Summary:

SB 100 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 eliminates several existing religious exemptions to Ohio’s anti-discrimination laws.

Primary Sponsors:

Secondary Sponsors:

Committee:

Government Oversight and Reform (S)

Companion Bill:

HB 160

LSC Legislation Status:

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/legislation-status?id=GA132-SB-100

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.

SB 100 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:

Introduced in the Senate on 3/14/17

Referred to the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee on 3/15/17