Capital Blog: Ohio State Representatives Introduce HB 335 To Prevent Firings Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity VIDEO

The blog post is here

Posted on September 27, 2011 by mkovac

State Reps. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Ross McGregor (R-Springfield) speak at a press conference at the Ohio Statehouse about the Equal Housing/Equal Employment Act, legislation they are reintroducing to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Comparable legislation passed the Ohio House last session, when the chamber was controlled by Democrats. Other speakers includes Ed Mullen, Executive Director of Equality Ohio, and Bonnie McGinness, a former school teacher who said she left the profession after it was made public that she was a lesbian:









And here’s the release:

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Ross McGregor (R-Springfield) today introduced House Bill 335, legislation that will encourage economic development and job growth by preventing firings based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This bi-partisan legislation extends Ohio Civil Rights Law to employment and housing protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity to the covered characteristics currently identified as unlawful discriminatory practices.

“This bill provides for the simple universal right of all citizens to equal treatment under the law, based on the premise that all are created equal including those Ohio citizens who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered,” said Rep. Antonio.

“Ohio can no longer afford to drive away the talented workforce of tomorrow by not enacting this legislation. A creative and vibrant workforce is what is required to create a 21st century economy in the state of Ohio,” Rep. McGregor said. “By enacting House Bill 335 we are saying that Ohio is a place where everyone can live and work free of discrimination.”

The legislation is nearly identical to legislation passed in the Ohio House last session as House Bill 176. It never received a hearing in the Ohio Senate.

“Following the example set with the repeal of the military policy of Don’t ask Don’t, Tell, it’s time for Ohio to join with the 21 states and over 650 Fortune 500 companies across the country who know that banning LGBT discrimination is good for employees and good for business, ” said Rep. Antonio.

The bill will next be referred to the appropriate Ohio House committee for consideration.