FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
DATE: June 29th, 2023
CONTACT:
MD Sitzes, md@equalityohio.org
Celina Coming, ccoming@acluohio.org
Ohio Fairness Act Reintroduced with Strong Support from Statewide LGBTQ+ Advocates and Ohio Business Competes Coalition
COLUMBUS, OH – Today, Ohio Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), who is Ohio’s sole LGBTQ+ lawmaker serving in the 135th General Assembly, reintroduced the Ohio Fairness Act (OFA) along with a bipartisan slate of eight ally cosponsors. The Ohio Fairness Act is a pivotal measure aimed at eradicating discrimination against Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community by adding sexual orientation and gender identity into Ohio’s existing anti-discrimination law. SB 132 is co-sponsored by Senators Craig, DeMora, Hicks-Hudson, Ingram, Lang, Manning, Smith, and Sykes. This Pride month marks the OFA’s 12th introduction in the Ohio Legislature.
The Ohio Business Competes coalition, comprising more than 1,300 corporations, local businesses, non-profit organizations, labor unions, and universities, celebrates the introduction of this bill. As a nonpartisan entity, it actively advocates for statewide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ Ohioans. Coalition organizers spoke out in support of the bill:
Alana Jochum, Executive Director for Equality Ohio, emphasizes the importance of initiating this legislation now, during the most significant anti-LGBTQ+ General Assembly in recent Ohio Statehouse history. “Equality Ohio knows it is crucial that we seize this moment to foster an inclusive and equitable environment for all Ohioans. This is the most consequential anti-LGBTQ+ General Assembly in Ohio Statehouse history, the urgency to initiate comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation is paramount. By enacting the Ohio Fairness Act, Ohio affirms our commitment to fair treatment, bolstering not only our state’s reputation but also its economic prosperity.“
James Knapp, Chair of TransOhio, the state’s largest transgender equality organization, emphasizes the importance of this moment. “Allowing individuals to express their true selves cultivates greater happiness and productivity. The transgender community boasts a remarkable reservoir of talent, and TransOhio holds deep gratitude for lawmakers who support them, especially in the eyes of today’s youth.”
J. Bennett Guess, Executive Director of the ACLU of Ohio added, “As an advocate for civil rights, as a person of faith, and as a gay person myself, I believe Ohio has been on the wrong side of history, but today we are poised to right that wrong by advancing commonsense nondiscrimination protections. The time has come for Ohio lawmakers to do the fair thing, to pass this legislation that will make our state more inclusive, safe and just for all who live and work here. Fairness, no more, no less. That is what this legislation is about.”
Sarah Warbelow, Vice President, Legal, Human Rights Campaign culminated, “The reintroduction of the Ohio Fairness Act is a fitting way to celebrate Pride, and this twelfth reintroduction should serve to remind us that our work is far from done. Leader Antonio’s guidance in reintroducing these protections for LGBTQ+ Ohioans is a critical step at a critical time. At this inflection point for LGBTQ+ freedom, their leadership is vitally important in moving toward a future where LGTBQ+ Ohioans are free to live authentically with the full protection of the law.”
As Ohio’s college graduates are departing the state more frequently than choosing to remain and build their lives here, the imperative to break down barriers and cultivate an inclusive environment has never been more critical. It is high time we empower every Ohioan, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, to flourish and actively contribute to the collective prosperity of our incredible state.
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For more information about Ohio Business Competes, visit OhioBusinessCompetes.org.
About Ohio Business Competes
Ohio Business Competes is a nonpartisan coalition of businesses committed to achieving nondiscrimination policies at the state level in order to attract the best talent, to increase Business-to-Business & Business-to-Consumer relationships, and to grow Ohio’s economy.
Ohio Business Competes is a project of ACLU of Ohio, Equality Ohio, the Human Rights Campaign, and TransOhio.
CUT
Here are 3-5 calls to action for individuals to support the passage of nondiscrimination protections in Ohio:
- Contact Your Legislators: Take the initiative to reach out to your state legislators and express your support for passing nondiscrimination protections. Send emails, make phone calls, or write testimony urging them to prioritize and vote in favor of comprehensive equality legislation.
- Engage in Grassroots Advocacy: Join local advocacy groups, LGBTQ+ organizations, or civil rights organizations that are actively working towards passing nondiscrimination protections. Participate in campaigns, attend community events, and lend your voice to promote awareness and mobilize support.
- Spread Awareness: Utilize your professional networks to raise awareness about the importance of nondiscrimination protections. Share informative articles, personal stories, and educational resources through social media platforms, community forums, or workplace discussions to foster understanding and garner support.
- Attend Public Hearings: Stay informed about public hearings, meetings, or legislative sessions where discussions on nondiscrimination protections are taking place. Attend these events to voice your support, ask questions, and engage in constructive dialogue with lawmakers and community members.
- Support Pro-Equality Organizations: Contribute to organizations and advocacy groups that are actively working towards passing nondiscrimination protections. Whether through donations, volunteer work, or offering your professional skills, your support can help amplify their efforts and make a meaningful impact.
Remember, collective action and persistent advocacy are crucial in driving legislative change. By taking these steps, individuals can contribute to the momentum and create a more inclusive and equitable environment where businesses and people can thrive.
Reference:
2017 press release OBC Press Release.docx
The Ohio Fairness Act has garnered the support of [BUSINESS NAME], which recognizes the detrimental impact of workplace discrimination. “[BUSINESS NAME] asserts that such discriminatory practices undermine an employer’s productivity and staff retention, as employees who experience discrimination are more likely to seek alternative employment, or relocate entirely. Enacting the Ohio Fairness Act would unequivocally declare that any form of discrimination is unacceptable within the state, showcasing Ohio as a welcoming place for all.” – ATTRIBUTE
Updates
Ohio Competes praises bi-partisan introduction of Ohio Fairness Act into Ohio’s 133nd Senate
The Ohio Fairness Act does a simple thing. It adds “sexual orientation” and “gender identity or expression” to the laws that make discrimination illegal in Ohio, and it would bring Ohio in line with 21 other states with a similar law. On Monday, Senator Nickie Antonio announced the bill would be back in the Ohio’s 133rd Senate, and on Tuesday it was filed with co-sponsors Senators Craig (D), Fedor (D), Maharath (D), O’Brien (D), Sykes (D), Thomas (D), Williams (D), Yuko (D) and Rulli (R).
The Ohio Fairness Act received a hearing for the first time in nearly a decade in the last legislature. Over 150 Ohioans submitted testimony––so many that much of it could not be delivered verbally and had to be submitted to the committee only as written.
Ohio Competes board members are optimistic it will go further this time––particularly with support from both aisles.
Alana Jochum, Executive Director of Equality Ohio said: “We’ve worked to get 22 localities in Ohio to pass local, LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination protections. But you shouldn’t have to move to the big city to feel safe just because you’re LGBTQ. It’s time for Ohio’s legislators to make a real commitment to all LGBTQ Ohioans––urban, suburban and rural––that they have the same right to work hard and provide for their families as everybody else.”
James Knapp, Executive Director of TransOhio said: “Representatives have already heard about the harmful impacts of LGBTQ discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations straight from Ohioans who have been most impacted. We’ve been watching from the sidelines while other states’ economies flourish after passing comprehensive nondiscrimination laws. Now it’s time to move forward with the Ohio Fairness Act.”
Shawn Copeland, Ohio State Director of HRC: “No one’s rights should depend on their zip code, but thousands of LGBTQ Ohioans currently live under a patchwork of protections that leaves them and their families at risk of real discrimination. Sen. Nickie Antonio and pro-equality champions are driving equality forward in the state senate, but these legislators cannot drive progress alone. It’s time for both chambers to show up for all of their constituents and finally pass the Fairness Act. No matter who they are or whom they love, all Ohioans deserve to be able to live, work and thrive in their communities free from unfair and unjust discrimination.”
Jocelyn Rosnick, Advocacy Director of the ACLU of Ohio said: “In Ohio, you can work in one place, live in another, and lose your rights on your morning commute. All Ohioans should be protected from discrimination in housing, employment, and public spaces. The Ohio Fairness Act is good for business and for Ohio families and communities.”
Ohio Competes is home to Ohio Business Competes, a coalition of hundreds of corporations, universities, professional service firms, nonprofits and small and medium businesses, all of which support statewide, LGBTQ-inclsuive nondiscrimination protections.
Honda Becomes First Ohio Automaker to Join Ohio Business Competes
Honda is the latest Ohio employer to join Ohio Business Competes, a coalition of corporations, universities, law firms, and small and medium enterprises doing business in Ohio in favor of statewide LGBTQ-inclusive nondiscrimination policy. Honda began manufacturing in Ohio in 1979 in Marysville, Ohio, and is the first automaker to join Ohio Business Competes.
“Honda joined Ohio Business Competes because its mission to achieve equality and non-discrimination in Ohio aligns with our fundamental belief in respect for the individual,” said Yvette Hunsicker, assistant vice president of Honda North America’s Office of Inclusion and Diversity. “Just as we have taken steps to focus on inclusion in our workplace, we believe that joining Ohio Business Competes will improve equality in our community and across the state of Ohio.”
“Honda builds communities, supports families, and drives local economies,” said Alana Jochum, Ohio Business Competes Board Member. “Honda is showing that their values go beyond the manufacturing plant by honoring the full livelihood of their associates.”
Honda’s Ohio presence has grown to include three automobile plants, an engine plant and a transmission plant, along with a major R&D Center. Honda currently employs 15,000 Ohioans, two-thirds of which are in manufacturing positions.
Honda is the latest in a series of large Ohio employers to join Ohio Business Competes, including Cardinal Health, American Electric Power, Proctor & Gamble, BP America, Whirlpool Corporation, Bob Evans and Columbia Gas of Ohio.
Two Ways to Support The #OHFairnessAct
The most important thing we can do right now is to make the Ohio House Government Oversight & Accountability Committee aware of how important the #OHFairnessAct is. It is time to protect LGBTQ Ohioans from discrimination at work, in access to housing, and in access to public accommodations.
- Send an email to the entire Ohio House Government Oversight & Accountability Committee in just a few clicks here.
- Call the committee and let them know you support the #OHFairnessAct.
- Council Chair Louis Blessing, 614-466-9091
- Vice Chair Bill Reineke, 614-466-1374
- Ranking Member Kathleen Clyde, 614-466-2004
- Representative Timothy Ginter, 614 466-8022
- Representative Riordan McClain, 614-644-6265
- Representative Dave Greenspan, 614-466-0961
- Representative Brigid Kelly, 614-466-5786
- Representative Bernadine Kennedy Kent, 614-466-5343
- Representative P. Scott Lipps, 614-644-6023
- Representative Dorothy Pelanda, 614-466-8147
- Representative Bill Seitz, 614-466-8258
- Representative Ryan Smith, 614-466-1366
- Representative Martin Sweeney, 614-466-3350
The Ohio State University joins Ohio Business Competes Coalition
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University has joined the statewide Ohio Business Competes Coalition.
Ohio Business Competes is a nonpartisan coalition of businesses committed to achieving nondiscrimination policies at the state level in order to attract the best talent, to increase business-to-business and business-to-consumer relationships, and to grow Ohio’s economy.
In 21 U.S. states, consumers and employees are protected from being denied jobs, housing and services based upon perceived sexual orientation/gender identity. Ohio is not one of these states.
President Michael V. Drake said the university is dedicated to building and maintaining an inclusive community to reflect human diversity and improve opportunities for all.
“Our university derives great strength from bringing together outstanding individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences,” said Drake. “Diversity sparks innovation, strengthens cultural understanding, amplifies creative work, broadens scholarly benefits to society and produces more competent workers and thinkers.”
The university does not discriminate on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status in its programs, activities, employment and admission.
Ohio State joins more than 200 businesses, universities and organizations that are part of the coalition.
To learn more about the coalition, visit http://ohiobusinesscompetes.org.
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Contact: Benjamin Johnson, johnson.7149@osu.edu, 614-292-9681
EY joins Ohio Business Competes
EY, a multinational professional services firm with a worldwide presence, is committed to building a better working world — with increased trust and confidence in business, sustainable growth, development of talent in all its forms, and greater collaboration.
EY wants to build a better working world through their own actions and by engaging with like-minded organizations and individuals. This is their purpose — and why they exist as an organization.
Today, EY joined Ohio Business Competes. Ohio Business Competes recognizes the value of diversity and the need for Ohio’s laws to reflect that value by including sexual orientation and gender identity in the laws that make discrimination illegal.
EY is the first of the “Big Four” accounting firms to join the coalition.
Joe Matuszewski, partner at EY and America’s co-chair of EY’s LGBTA professional network said: “At EY, our focus on diversity and inclusiveness is integral to how we serve our clients, develop our people and exercise our leadership role in communities. For these reasons, EY is proud to join Ohio Business Competes. With our longstanding history and well-established presence in Ohio, we strongly support the values represented by Ohio Business Competes. The laws that protect Ohioans from discrimination should include LGBT people. As co-chair of EY’s LGBTA professional network, I know that advancing fully-inclusive nondiscrimination protections throughout the state will make Ohio a better place to work and live.”
Ohio Business Competes surpasses 200 members
CLEVELAND (Sept. 14, 2017) – More than 200 businesses have joined Ohio Business Competes, a broad, nonpartisan coalition that supports nondiscrimination policies that are inclusive of LGBTQ Ohioans. Ohio Business Competes membership has more than tripled this year, a direct response from employers who know that discrimination is bad for LGBTQ people and bad for the state’s economy.
This morning, Alana Jochum, board member of Ohio Business Competes, and JoDee Winterhof, Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), announced this membership milestone, while encouraging businesses of all sizes in Ohio to join the movement.
“It’s shocking but true: Ohio’s laws don’t protect LGBTQ people from discrimination. In fact, in Ohio, it’s generally legal to fire someone because they’re gay, evict someone from their apartment because they’re bisexual, or refuse service to a transgender customer,” said Alana Jochum. “Ohio Business Competes members – representing companies of all sizes from all parts of the state – know that inclusive nondiscrimination laws are good for business.”
“No Ohioans’ fundamental rights should be determined by what city or what county they live in,” said JoDee Winterhof. “The 200 businesses that have joined the Ohio Business Competes coalition have sent a loud and clear message that the time has come for the Ohio General Assembly to finally pass fully inclusive, statewide LGBTQ nondiscrimination protections. We applaud these businesses for speaking out in support of equality, and look forward to celebrating with them once every Ohioan is able to live freely without fear of discrimination.”
OBC’s list of member organizations has grown from 60 members earlier this year, and now includes some of the state’s largest employers, such as Procter & Gamble Company, OhioHealth, American Electric Power, KeyBank and General Electric. According to Small Business Majority, 70% of Ohio’s small business owners support inclusive nondiscrimination legislation. However, Ohio is one of 28 states where members of the LGBTQ community can generally be fired or denied housing based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Representative Nickie Antonio said: “I am thrilled to hear about today’s announcement. Both the sheer numbers and caliber of the businesses that have joined Ohio Business Competes is encouraging. As a legislator who has worked for years on legislation promoting fairness for all LGBTQ+ Ohioans, I see this as a positive step in the right direction. Certainly, the economic benefits of equality for all Ohioans makes the state of Ohio and Ohio businesses competitive on a national and international level. I look forward to working with all of the members of Ohio Business Competes in the future.”
“KeyBank is proud to stand with more than 200 other Ohio businesses and promote workplace equality. Valuing diversity and fostering inclusion is part of our corporate fabric,” said Jason Rudman, EVP, Consumer Payments and Digital Banking & Co-Champion of Key’s LGBTA Business Networking Group. “It’s heartening that so many other Ohio businesses see how anti-discrimination protections will only make our state a better place to live and work while attracting and retaining the right talent and investment to create economic prosperity.”
“United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. We believe in treating all people equally and allowing everybody the opportunity to make an honest living to support their families. We’re proud to stand with many of our corporate and community partners in support of Ohio Business Competes,” said United Way of Greater Lorain County executive director Bill Harper.
“Diversity is one of Squire Patton Boggs’ core values and we are delighted to be a part of Ohio Business Competes and support its work on behalf of the LGBTQ community,” said Michele Connell, Cleveland Managing Partner at Squire Patton Boggs. “Given our longstanding history in Ohio and our proud involvement in landmark equality cases, we stand with all the other members of this coalition in our steadfast commitment to encouraging diverse and inclusive workplaces in order to attract the very best talent to Ohio.”
Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish said: “Cuyahoga County supports non-discrimination policies that are inclusive of LGBTQ+ residents; and, we applaud the efforts of the Ohio Business Competes Coalition, Equality Ohio, and business partners for advancing nondiscrimination efforts based on sexual orientation or gender identity in the State of Ohio. We encourage private investment and public engagement that promotes equality and equity for all Cuyahoga County residents. Together, with the Ohio Business Competes Coalition, we are working to ensure that Cuyahoga County and all of Ohio is open for business!”
Hyland joins Ohio Business Competes
Hyland, a leading provider of content services software solutions for managing content, processes and cases, has joined the Ohio Business Competes coalition, a non-partisan coalition of businesses committed to achieving nondiscrimination policies.
Hyland appreciates the diversity of its customer, partner and employee community, incorporating inclusive, nondiscriminatory policies and procedures to support its thriving and diverse business. The content services provider prides itself on treating every individual with integrity and respect.
“I’ve always been proud of the inclusive environment at our organization where employees respect and support each other entirely,” said Debbie Connelly, vice president of human resources at Hyland. “Hyland’s core values align perfectly with Ohio Business Competes’, illustrating our commitment to nondiscrimination and promoting a supportive culture for all employees, customers and partners.”
Many of Ohio’s top employers share Ohio Business Competes’ inclusive values. Of the state’s top 98 employers, identified by JobsOhio, over 80 have inclusive and nondiscrimination policies in place, ensuring the best and brightest talent call Ohio home. Businesses overwhelmingly report that such policies cost next to nothing and help drive a competitive edge.
“For Ohio to be competitive in the marketplace, our state needs to reflect inclusive business practices,” said Alana Jochum, board member of Ohio Business Competes. “Hyland sets a great example for other Ohio-based organizations to see the business benefits of joining the Ohio Business Competes coalition in support of inclusive, statewide nondiscrimination policies.”
To search available career opportunities at Hyland visit Hyland.com/Careers.
United Church Homes joins Ohio Business Competes, supports LGBT workplace fairness
United Church Homes has joined Ohio Business Competes and the Ohio Faith Coalition for Nondiscrimination, a coalition of employers and religious organizations statewide that want to end discrimination against the LGBT community and support nondiscrimination legislation.
UCH is one of more than 60 companies to make a commitment to the Ohio Business Competes campaign and several dozen religious organizations to support the Ohio Faith Coalition for Nondiscrimination, according to Equality Ohio.
“United Church Homes is an organization that values, respects and is inclusive of everyone, regardless of race, gender, religion, sexuality, sexual identity or sexual orientation,” said Rev. Kenneth Daniel, president and CEO of United Church Homes. “Too often, LGBT employees face discrimination in the workplace and are fired because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. United Church Homes stands with the LGBT community, businesses, organizations and all of those who support equality for everyone.”
Ohio is one of 28 states where members of the LGBT community can be fired or denied housing based on their sexual orientation or identity.
Rep. Nickie Antonio, Ohio’s first openly gay legislator, in March reintroduced a bill banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing or public accommodations.
“UCH is standing up for its thousands of residents and every LGBTQ person in Ohio. We are proud to have UCH as part of our coalition –– which is growing everyday. Together, we can make Ohio a state that is welcoming to everyone,” said Alana Jochum, executive director of Equality Oho, the organization behind Ohio Business Competes.
UCH is a national nonprofit, faith-based senior living provider with more than 1,500 dedicated staff serving 4,500 residents of all faiths in 69 senior living communities throughout 14 states and two Native American nations.
In May 2012, United Church Homes declared the organization Open and Affirming (ONA) to the LGBT community and has made advocacy for LGBT seniors a priority.
Open and Affirming is an official designation of congregations, campus ministries, and other organizations affiliated with the United Church of Christ (UCC) that make a public covenant of welcome to people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions.
Rev. Beth Long-Higgins, the new executive director of the United Church Homes’ Ruth Frost Parker Center for Abundant Aging, said the ONA designation makes UCH different from other church-affiliated organizations.
She also said it’s important to allow employees to be who they are.
“It’s as much about our residents as it is about our employees,” Long-Higgins said.
United Church of Christ backs effort in Ohio to ban LGBTQ discrimination at work, housing or in public
The United Church of Christ, a progressive denomination of almost 1 million members headquartered in Cleveland, is joining Ohio corporations and businesses in a coalition working to ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in Ohio. The church’s commitment to the Ohio Business Competes campaign — as its only faith-based organization — comes as Ohio cities are passing their own non-discrimination measures and the State legislature is being asked to reconsider passing a bill to ban bias in Ohio.
Rep. Nickie Antonio from Lakewood, Ohio, the first openly-gay state politician, reintroduced a bill on March 23 that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in the workplace, in housing or in public accommodations. For years, Ohio Republicans have declined to address legislation to protect LGBTQ people from this type of discrimination.
Eight out of 10 Ohioans believe firing someone over their sexual orientation is illegal. Right now, it’s not. The UCC is one of four dozen Ohio organizations looking to change that.
“The United Church of Christ takes seriously the command to love our neighbor as ourselves. We envision a just world for all. We cannot take that deep religious commitment seriously while ignoring the shameful discrimination experienced by our LGBT family, especially when that discrimination is authored by the state and enforced by law,” said the Rev. John C. Dorhauer, United Church of Christ general minister and president.
“We chose to move our headquarters to Cleveland. We are proud of our move here to Ohio, and feel that we owe it to our community to align with advocates for the rights of all this state’s citizens regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” he continued.
“To be a part of a faith community is to have a spiritual home. For many LGBTQ people in Ohio, United Church of Christ is that home. This isn’t incidental; it’s because the very makeup of the church is welcoming to all,” said Alana Jochum, executive director of Equality Ohio, the organization behind the coalition. “That defines the UCC for me, and I am so very happy they support ending legal discrimination against LGBTQ people in Ohio.”
Lawmakers call for action on Ohio LGBTQ nondiscrimination bill
Jackie Borchardt from the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports:
On the eve of the one-year anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage, Democratic state legislators said Ohio needs to do more to ensure all in the state are treated fairly in the eyes of the law.
A trio of Democrat-sponsored anti-discrimination bills has not seen much action at the Republican-controlled Statehouse. Bill sponsors Reps. Nickie Antonio of Lakewood, Denise Driehaus of Cincinnati and Debbie Phillips of Albany on Friday called on GOP leaders to schedule hearings on the bills when lawmakers return from summer break.
Read the full article at Cleveland.com.