LGBT Rights Legislation

HB 163 – Equal Housing and Employment Act (2013-2014)

Link to Bill:

http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=130_HB_163

Summary:

HB 163 changes Ohio’s anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected classes, expanding legal protections in housing, employment, and services. The bill also includes limited religious exemptions.

Primary Sponsors:

Rep. Antonio (D), Rep. McGregor (R)

Secondary Sponsors:

Rep. Ashford (D), Rep. Bishoff (D), Rep. Boyce (D), Rep. Boyd (D), Rep. Brown (R), Rep. Budish (D), Rep. Carney (D), Rep. Celebrezze (D), Rep. Cera (D), Rep. Curin (D), Rep. Driehaus (D), Rep. Fedor (D), Rep. Foley (D), Rep. Gerberry (D), Rep. Heard (D), Rep. Letson (D), Rep. Lundy (D), Rep. Mallory (D), Rep. O’Brien (D), Rep. Pelanda (R), Rep. Phillips (D), Rep. R. Hagan (D), Rep. Ramos (D), Rep. Redfern (D), Rep. Reece (D), Rep. Rogers (D), Rep. Slesnick (D), Rep. Stinziano (D), Rep. Strahorn (D), Rep. Sykes (D), Rep. Szollosi (D), Rep. Williams (D), Rep. Winburn (D)

Committee:

Commerce / Labor / Technology (H)

Companion Bill:

SB 125

LSC Legislation Status:

http://lsc.state.oh.us/coderev/hou130.nsf/House+Bill+Number/0163?OpenDocument

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. HB 163 strengthens Ohio’s existing anti-discrimination laws by adding sexual orientation and gender identity 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.