Post submitted by Ianthe Metzger, Former Press Secretary, State & Local 

Today, HRC responded to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s executive order prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity against state employees.

“Today, by continuing these crucial non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ state employees, Governor DeWine did the right thing, and we hope his administration will push for the fair treatment of all LGBTQ Ohioans over the next four years,” said HRC Ohio State Director Shawn Copeland. “This would not have been possible without Equality Ohio and TransOhio’s work to end discrimination across our state, and their ongoing push to pass the Ohio Fairness Act. This session, we hope the State Legislature will finally prioritize this crucial bill that would bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas of employment, housing and public accommodations throughout Ohio.”

Ohio is one of 31 states that currently lacks clear non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people in employment, housing, and public accommodations.