This week, State Sen. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) provided sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 11, the “Ohio Fairness Act.” This legislation would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing or public accommodations.

Twenty-one Ohio cities and one county have already passed non-discrimination ordinances, and more than 500 businesses have joined Ohio Business Competes, a nonpartisan coalition of Ohio businesses that support non-discrimination policies that are inclusive of LGBTQ Ohioans. Yet, Ohio remains one of 28 states without clear, inclusive, non-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community.

“Ohio has the opportunity to provide equal treatment for all of Ohio’s citizens to live, work, learn and thrive in our state,” said Sen. Antonio. “With the Ohio Fairness Act, we can send a message that Ohio is open to all for business in the 21st century.”

Sen. Antonio introduced the Ohio Fairness Act in each of her four terms in the Ohio House of Representatives. She is looking forward to future hearings in the Senate Judiciary committee.