Prominent journalists from around Ohio are covering legislation that would add Ohio to the growing list of states that make it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Here's what Ohio's opinion leaders are saying about this legislation:

A contentious measure aimed at curbing workplace and housing discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity cleared the House Tuesday on mostly party lines.

Only a handful of Republicans joined all Democrats in support of the bill (HB 176), which now faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where the GOP majority is more receptive to the argument that it will lead to more litigation and increase costs for small businesses.

In the House, majority Democrats held sway in pushing through the measure as a long overdue set of protections for a segment of society that has been unduly discriminated against in a state that has no current law to prohibit such practices.

Rep. Dan Stewart (D-Columbus), who jointly sponsored the bill with Rep. Ross McGregor (R-Springfield), said the proposed law has nothing to do with the hot-button issue of gay marriage. The bill, he added, does not create a special right for a certain population of citizens, but rather it extends "the same rights that all Ohioans are afforded."

Noting that more than 20 states have enacted such laws and that similar policies are in effect at most large, successful businesses and a broad swath of government entities, Rep. Stewart said the policy is recognized as one that invites more highly qualified workers and does not result in a surge of lawsuits.

The lawmaker cited examples of discrimination shared with himself and in the House committee as well as the sentiments of recent college graduates who plan to look elsewhere to settle down. "Why would we want to say 'no' to anyone or encourage anyone to leave Ohio," he said.

Underscoring the high emotional level surrounding the issue - a gallery packed with supporters erupted in applause with the bill's passage - Rep. McGregor shared with members some of the hate mail he received as well as a letter of support from a local minister that ran in The Springfield News-Sun.

Mr. McGregor, one of five Republicans to support the bill, said he agreed to serve as a chief cosponsor because of his friendship with gays and lesbians whom he viewed as productive contributors to his community, his desire to make sure it was done right given the difficulty of the issue and experiences as an employer, "but most importantly because it's the right thing to do."

The lawmaker, who owns a manufacturing company, said that while many businesses including his own do not discriminate and have related policies in place, Ohio can't afford to not have such protections in law.

"I really don't care whether a guy is wearing silk panties under his blue jeans. If he's showing up to the shop on time, and he's putting out the parts at the run rate that we require and he's making quality parts and he's acting as a member of our team, I don't care," Rep. McGregor said. "He's a good employee."

Some other Republicans, however, took a far different view of the bill.

"It is about forcing acceptance of a lifestyle that many people disagree with," said Rep. Jeff Wagner (R-Sycamore), who went on to declare that the "sexual revolution" has brought about more children without traditional families, an increase in sexually transmitted diseases and unhappiness "as just a few of the consequences."

"God has given us the gift of human sexuality. He's also put boundaries around its use," he said. "As we cast off those boundaries, people get hurt."

Rep. Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) characterized the bill as creating unnecessary legal avenues for gays and lesbians. "This bill creates new tools to punish people whose moral or personal beliefs disagree with yours," he said, speaking toward the Democratic side of the aisle. "And shame on you for thinking you know better than other people in this state what their moral values should be."

Rep. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) predicted the measure, if enacted, would bring about more lawsuits and increase costs for small businesses. The proposal isn't about bolstering rights, he said, "It's really about taking away rights of a business owner or someone who owns a house."

Rep. John Carney (D-Columbus) responded: "Discrimination is not a right," and noted U.S. history has seen other times when it was deemed acceptable to deny rights to people based on gender, race or religion.

Also speaking in support of the measure was Rep. Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering), a pro-life advocate who said the same constitutional protections she has cited in that cause should apply in this case and that "inalienable rights" are due all U.S. citizens.

Rep. Jennifer Garrison (D-Marietta), a secretary of state candidate who rankled the gay and lesbian community with her support of the anti-gay marriage amendment when she first ran for the House in 2004, said in supporting the bill that people "should not be denied the opportunity for success because of something unrelated to one's job performance."

The measure passed 56-39. Other GOP House members joining all Democrats in passing the bill were: Rep. Terrence Blair of Washington Township, Rep. Matthew Dolan of Novelty and Rep. Cliff Hite of Findlay. Not voting were Reps. Terry Boose (R-Norwalk), Lorraine Fende (D-Willowick) and Matt Patten (D-Strongsville).

Gov. Ted Strickland welcomed the House action in a statement released afterward.

"This legislation will help attract and retain the talent Ohio businesses need to foster lasting economic growth and prosperity. I am hopeful that I will have the opportunity to sign this bill into law," he said. "This is an important step forward for Ohio, as nondiscrimination in employment and housing will ensure that all of our people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve."

Prior to its passage, Rep. Tracy Heard (D-Columbus) amended the bill with language that: clarified an educational program was meant for primary and secondary schools, added mediation to a list of Civil Rights Commission options to preemptively resolve matters, and stated an intent to not interfere with federal laws.

The effect of the relatively minor changes was to procedurally block an extensive amendment that had been prepared by Rep. Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster). His amendment was ruled out of order because sections of the bill he sought to change had already been altered by Rep. Heard's amendment.

Rep. Kevin Bacon (R-Columbus) later opined that the Senate was unlikely to pass the bill without the GOP's proposed changes, which included additional requirements for filing complaints with the Civil Rights Commission and other limitations including caps on punitive damages.

Rep. Lehner said the Democrats' blocking maneuver almost made her vote against the bill. She urged the chamber to refrain from such moves and instead give such matters a full debate.

Speaker Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) said after session that he opposed Rep. Stebelton's amendment because it made extensive changes to tort law and that wasn't the focus of the measure at hand.

In other business, the House passed a measure, albeit with scant Republican support, to broaden requirements for businesses that transport railroad employees (HB 71).

Sponsor Rep. Bob Hagan (D-Youngstown), a railroad engineer, said he had seen first-hand the need to impose new standards on transportation outfits. "It's a safety issue," he said.

Rep. Joseph Uecker (R-Loveland) called the proposal an "anti-business regulation bill" that would make transportation of railroad workers more expensive and burdensome.

Before the measure passed along mostly party lines by a 55-40 vote, the Democrat addressed House Minority Leader Bill Batchelder (R-Medina), who served as a chief cosponsor.

"I'd like to thank my cosponsor for all the vote you got me," he said.

After a summer of often dysfunctional budgeteering in Ohio, it's welcome news that state legislative leaders are focused on doing something this fall that should engage the best of both sides of the aisle: an overdue law banning discrimination on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation in Ohio.

Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish, Democrat of Beachwood, says a floor vote on the bill is a top priority. Recent amendments may have softened earlier objections from Senate President Bill Harris, a Republican from Ashland, Harris' spokeswoman told Plain Dealer reporter Aaron Marshall.

Such discrimination already is illegal where these two gentlemen work: The Ohio House and Ohio Senate both prohibit bias based on sexual orientation. It's time to extend that prohibition throughout the state, as 21 other states have done. Many Ohioans will be shocked to learn it's perfectly legal in most places in Ohio to fire someone based simply on his or her sexual orientation.

The proposed law, House Bill 176, is bipartisan, with two Republican co-sponsors, Reps. Ross McGregor of Springfield and Terry Blair of Dayton. Thanks in part to some artful amendments designed to attract wider Republican support, this is the first year supporters feel hopeful of passage.

The bill, for instance, exempts religious groups and businesses with fewer than 15 workers. It also incorporates exemptions built into other anti-discrimination laws, such as the "Miss Murphy" provision of the Fair Housing Act, which allows owner-occupants some choice about whom to share their homes with.

Ohio civil rights statutes already make it illegal to discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, military status, national origin, disability, age or ancestry. It is time to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list.

Ohio voters approve 46 - 42 percent of the job Gov. Ted Strickland is doing, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today, down from 57 - 29 percent in a May 6 survey. This is Gov. Strickland's lowest approval rating since a 45 - 12 score, with 43 percent undecided, February 1, 2007, one month after he took office.

Voters give Gov. Strickland two big thumbs down, disapproving 53 - 33 percent of the way he is handling the economy and disapproving 53 - 32 percent of the way he is handling the state budget. Voters also feel 40 - 34 percent that Gov. Strickland has not kept his campaign promises, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University survey finds. These are Strickland's lowest scores on these three measures.

U.S. Sen. Mike DeWine, a possible Republican challenger in the 2010 Governor's race, has caught up with the struggling Strickland, with 40 percent to the Governor's 41 percent, compared to a 48 - 36 percent Strickland lead May 6. Another challenger, former Congressman John Kasich, trails Strickland 43 - 38 percent, compared to 51 - 32 percent May 6.

Kasich now leads DeWine 35 - 32 percent in a Republican primary, reversing a 35 - 23 DeWine lead May 6. Another 29 percent of GOP voters remain undecided. Read More.

This letter is in response to Mike Atkeson, who wrote: "We don't even want to know your sexual orientation" in which he questioned the importance of the Equal Housing and Employment Act.

To paraphrase Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations President William Sinkford, it is righteous Americans who believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every person and who seek to build a peaceful, just and beloved community who support this measure. Those of us who believe in human decency (love thy neighbor) have rejected the fundamentalists of the religious right who employ the language of faith and religion to advance their immoral values of intolerance, exclusion and repression.

As the Rev. Stephen Moulton, a Presbyterian minister from Bowling Green, stated: "This measure does not ask anyone to condone or accept another person for being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender any more than a prohibition against religious discrimination suggests that we somehow have to condone or accept the correctness of someone's faith decision ... God calls me to honor and respect the rights of others to believe differently than I do."

Also, there has been substantial social science research showing the more a business or community is diverse and accepting of sexual orientation and gender identities, the better it does economically. This is reflected by the fact more than 90 percent of Fortune 500 companies, in the hopes of attracting the best and the brightest, have adopted antidiscrimination policies.

In conclusion, Equality Ohio director Lynn Bowman's testimony before an Ohio Senate panel beautifully sums up why the passage of the act is so important.

"Not passing this bill is a statement that in Ohio, our lawmakers don't believe that everyone should be judged based on the strength of their character, the performance of their work or their contribution to their community."

Bowman says: "Rather you would be saying that in Ohio the thing that trumps everything, the thing that will legally allow you to lose your job, permit you to be kicked out of restaurants, or deny you a place to live, is the gender of the person you love."

State legislation that would ban discrimination against gays and lesbians in employment and housing has advanced further than past attempts.Earlier this week, a state House of Representatives committee voted 8-5 to send the proposal to the full House.

This is the first time such legislation has made it out of committee.

With an eye on the state level, Canton City Council recently passed an informal resolution unanimously in support of the Equal Housing and Employment Act. Councilman Thomas West, D-2, submitted the resolution. Mayor William J. Healy II also supports the bill.

"That's something that I think is overdue," said Healy, a former state representative. "Obviously, I'm not supporting discrimination for any particular reason, whether it be race, religion, sexual orientation, and I think it's good that the law is being adjusted."

House Bill 176 would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity and expression in employment and housing. State Rep. Dan Stewart, D-Columbus, a primary sponsor, said the legislation would apply to gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexual individuals.

Also, local and state governments would be prohibited from funding any contractor or business who would discriminate against people in those categories, said Law Director Joseph Martuccio.

"This is about ensuring equal rights to all citizens," Martuccio said. "This is yet another category of citizens who are discriminated against in some cases and could use society's civil help."

Under the legislation, exemptions would include churches, religious organizations and religious-based businesses, Stewart said, such as Christian book stores. Another exemption is businesses with fewer than 15 employees, said state Rep. Ross McGregor, R-Springfield, the other primary sponsor of the bill.

The legislation also has about 30 co-sponsors, Stewart said, roughly a dozen more than one of the past efforts.

"It basically comes down to this: Do you think it's fair or right that somebody can be fired solely on the basis that they are gay or lesbian, that it's not because of performance or anything else" Stewart said.

"It's not about gay marriage, it's not about special rights, it's about basic rights," he said.

In the past, similar legislation has broken down largely along party lines, Stewart said. McGregor said that some fellow legislators have expressed support privately for the bill, but are reluctant to vote for it because it would not be popular among their constituency.

Stewart said he expects the bill to get a vote in the House. Democrats control the House and Republicans are the majority in the Senate.

EXISTING CITY LAW

In 2006, council followed a recommendation from the city's nine-member Fair Employment Practices Board and unanimously passed an expanded anti-discrimination law. Sexual orientation was added to categories or groups - including race, age, national origin, gender, religion, ancestry and disability - already protected under city law.

Martuccio said he's not aware of any complaints filed under the city law related to sexual orientation. If House Bill 176 becomes law, the city board could refer complaints to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, Martuccio said.

The city may expand the law in the future to include housing, Martuccio said, depending on the outcome of the state legislation.

Testimony was given on House Bill 176 during the recent committee sessions.

Kim Welter, program manager for education and outreach for the Columbus-based Equality Ohio, said she knows of cases where people have been discriminated against based on sexual orientation. The legislation has gained momentum, she said.

"We're definitely thinking that this will pass the House," Welter said. ?In the Senate there will be a little more work."

David Miller, vice president of public policy for the Cincinnati-based Citizens for Community Values, said he believes the legislation would add a "new protected class to our civil rights statutes (that) is outside of current court guidelines."

Miller said the exception for religious organizations is too narrow. "Doesn't any other employer who is religious deserve the same kind of protection of his conscience?" he said, referring to religions that have "moral guidelines about homosexual behavior."

LOCAL LEGISLATORS

State Rep. Stephen Slesnick, D-Canton, said he will vote for the bill "because basically this piece of legislation is about treating (Ohio residents) the way they are guaranteed under the constitution, and it's not about special rights, it's about equal rights."

State Sen. Kirk Schuring, R-Jackson Township, said he opposes "all types of discrimination and (he's) against any discrimination based on one's sexual preference. However, I believe the U.S. Constitution protects all citizens from all types of discriminatory practices.

"I am very apprehensive about singling out a specific class of a population for protection for fear it might create a special status with special protections. I've been against this type of legislation in the past."

A civil rights bill to protect gays from discrimination passed out of a House committee on Wednesday, June 17, by an 8-5 vote, according to Equality Ohio.

House Bill 176, co-sponsored by state Reps. Ross McGregor, R-Springfield, and Dan Stewart, D-Columbus, would prohibit housing or employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Equality Ohio Executive Director Lynne Bowman said the vote marks the first time in Ohio history that a gay rights bill has gotten a vote in the General Assembly.

"With their passage of this legislation, the members of the (House) State Government (Committee) sent a clear message today," Bowman said. "Discrimination based on a person?s sexual orientation or gender identity will not be tolerated in Ohio, regardless of where a person lives, works or plays."

The bill now moves to the House for a full vote, which has yet to be scheduled.

TWENTY states and the District of Columbia have laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or both. But not Ohio, which ranks above only Arkansas among the 50 states in the protections it offers to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents.That has to change.

Successful businesses already know this. Among Fortune 100 companies, 94 include sexual orientation protection and 61 include gender identity protection. Twenty-six of Ohio's 28 Fortune 500 companies protect so-called LGBT employees from internal discrimination.

Especially in the current economic downturn, Ohio shouldn't send the message to potential employers and employees that talented people are not welcome here if they are homosexual. Discrimination, quite simply, is bad for business.

Sixteen Ohio cities, notably including Toledo, have ordinances guaranteeing equality for all residents, but that covers only 20 percent of Ohioans. Eighty percent of Ohioans live in communities where it's still OK to fire people, kick them out of a public park, or deny them credit simply because they are gay.

Toledo, which has protected the rights of all its residents since 1998, ranks at the top of all Ohio cities in the protections it offers. The sky has not fallen, the world has not come to an end, and with this ordinance in place the city has not become a modern Sodom and Gomorrah.

House Bill 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act, currently under consideration, would not impact the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, nor would it undo Ohio's Defense of Marriage Act. It's also not an affirmative-action bill and would not, as some would have us believe, establish quotas requiring the hiring of LGBT workers.

What the bill would do is make the protections offered by Toledo and other right-thinking cities the law across the state. And it would even exempt religious nonprofits, as well as businesses employees fewer than 15 people, from its provisions.

Previously, the Republican-controlled General Assembly, fearing to upset its conservative base, has lacked the political will to do what's right and extend basic protections to every Ohioan. But the current bill has broad public support. Nearly three-quarters of Ohioans polled earlier this year said they would support legislation making it illegal to fire or deny housing to any person because he or she is gay.

HB 176 is not radical legislation; it is about basic human equality. Passing it is the right thing to do.

Toledo resident Brandi Fasnaugh said the fight for equality goes beyond this month.

June marks national Gay and Lesbian Pride month, a celebration of the impact gay lesbian and transgender persons have had on the world.

Fasnaugh said she tries not to let ignorant people faze her, but it's hard to stay positive when she's openly ridiculed.

One recent encounter with discrimination was in a bathroom in Columbus.

She was lobbying on behalf of Equality Ohio, an advocate group for gay and lesbian rights when a trip to the restroom led to a disheartening conversation.

"When I walked into the restroom, I could hear two women talking to each other between the stalls about someone who had been in the bathroom when they walked in earlier," Fasnaugh said.

They commented on that woman's "masculine appearance" and how it made them uncomfortable. One of the women looked right at Fasnaugh as they continued the conversation and stated that women like her should use the men's restroom.

Feeling ashamed and embarrassed, Fasnaugh initially decided to internalize her pain. But when a colleague noticed something was wrong, she was encouraged to speak out.

"My shock and upset then turned into frustration, as well as a renewed sense of why the Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHE) is such a fundamental component for the everyday life of all citizens regardless of sexual orientation," Fasnaugh said.

"One can be denied access to housing, employment and even public accommodations based simply on who they love and what they look like," Fasnaugh said.

Kim Welter, program manager for Education & Outreach for Equality Ohio, said what happened to Fasnaugh is a prime example of how some people think it is acceptable to behave that way.

"Most of us figure what's right and wrong, for the most part, by what's legal and illegal," Welter said. "By passing the EHE Act, that would add sexual orientation and gender identity to that list of conditions upon which you cannot discriminate." That's kind of the start, and if people knew that these things were illegal, I think they'd think twice before they behaved that way," Welter said.

If the GOP wants to save itself from being just the party of old white men, it might want to listen to some of its less ideologically pure members.

For example, in a move that might flummox many in the right wing of the party, Ross McGregor, R-Springfield, is pushing a bill in the Ohio House that would protect gays from discrimination.

He is unapologetic about breaking with the social conservatives on the issue. He is one of two Republicans in the House to co-sponsor the bill.

He thinks it's right to protect people who are lesbian, gay, bisexuals or transgendered and right for Republicans to break out of their current narrow mold.

And he doesn't think he's alone.

He expects many of the older Republicans in the Statehouse to be against the bill, but many of the younger GOP staffers tell him informally that they believe discrimination against gays is wrong.

If his party can only spot a demographic trend, McGregor thinks it would recognize that younger people of all political views are increasingly accepting of people who don't share their sexual orientation.

McGregor thinks that enough Republican votes can be found to pass the bill in the GOP-controlled Senate and he intends to lobby for the bill there.

This is not to state that McGregor has turned into a flaming liberal. He backs the bill, but he also backed provisions that made sure it wouldn't unduly burden businesses.

He also makes an economic point. The state needs to attract and retain talented people if it wants to see its economy grow.

"Ohio can't afford to discriminate against anyone," he said.

In upholding a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, the California Supreme Court stressed the narrow scope of its ruling. The 6-1 majority argued that same-sex couples still had a right to civil unions, the ability ''to choose one's life partner and enter with that person into a committed, officially recognized and protected family that enjoys all of the constitutionally based incidents of marriage.'' Such couples just cannot use the term ''marriage,'' at least officially and legally.

That may be small comfort for those understandably disappointed with the court ruling. It should provide an incentive for states yet to enact laws barring discrimination based on sexual orientation. Ohio is one. While Connecticut, Maine, Iowa, Massachusetts and Vermont have embraced gay marriage, this state still hasn't taken the modest yet necessary step of outlawing such discrimination.

On Wednesday, proponents of legislation that would achieve the advance gathered at the Statehouse. They offered the reminder that the bill hardly asks the state to walk alone. More than 20 states have enacted similar legislation. Eleven Ohio universities have implemented the action. So have 443 of the Fortune 500 companies. Gov. Ted Strickland has issued an executive order protecting state employees.

Now Ohio must act comprehensively, establishing a firm ban on discrimination in the public and private workplace and in housing based on sexual orientation. The proposed legislation (House Bill 176) has bipartisan support. Proponents recognize that an Ohio struggling economically (even before the recession) cannot afford to close its door to anyone. State Rep. Ross McGregor, a Springfield Republican, spoke as an employer and business owner: "I can tell you right now we need talented people."

State Rep. Dan Stewart, a Columbus Democrat and the other lead sponsor, reaffirmed that the legislation isn't about ''special rights or privileges.'' It involves ensuring the fairness and opportunities that most of us take for granted. It isn't about setting people apart or encouraging divisions. It seeks to achieve the opposite, treating each Ohioan equally, discouraging the reality of second-class citizenship.

Some critics ask: Just how big is the problem, anyway? They miss the point. The concern isn't that 100, or 1,000, or 100,000 Ohioans encounter discrimination based on sexual orientation. Rather, if it happens once, it isn't right. If it does happen, the victim should have the support of the community as a whole, the chance to insist: I deserve better.

Again, the legislation isn't radical in any way. Such companies as KeyCorp and Goodyear Tire & Rubber have traveled this path. They haven't done so out of mere compassion or kindness. They've made a business decision about recruiting and retaining the best and the brightest. All of Ohio should embrace the enlightened thinking, doing the smart thing in view of the economy and the right thing in upholding no less than the principles of justice.

Over the past few weeks, many activists have watched with interest as Maine, Iowa and Vermont have affirmed that same-sex couples should have the same rights to marriage as heterosexual couples. In other states, such as New York and New Hampshire, legislatures are considering similar measures that may become law soon.

The spotlight this week shifted to the decision by the California Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 8, narrowly passed by voters last November. The state constitutional amendment banned same-sex marriage in California after it had been declared legal by the state Supreme Court in May 2008. However, the 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who married before Proposition 8 passed are permitted to remain legally married.

"The decisions to ban same-sex marriage in California and extend equal marriage rights in other states have energized many activists across the country, including in Ohio. Tens of thousands of advocates nationwide have gathered over the past several months to protest or celebrate these recent decisions.

More and more gay and lesbian Americans are clamoring for equality and wondering just how much longer it will be until all states extend full rights to all people.

For many in the Buckeye State, marriage equality may seem like a distant fantasy - something maybe their great grandkids will see, but not something that will happen in their lifetime. Just five years ago Ohio passed the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits recognition of same-sex marriages in the state. Also in 2004, Ohioans passed a constitutional amendment that forbids same-sex marriage.

Given these laws, it seems unlikely that Ohio will extend marriage equality to all its residents anytime soon.

However, there is still important work to be done today to move the state in the direction of equality. Ohio lacks even the most basic protections to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Currently, the Ohio House is considering House Bill 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act. It would prohibit employers and housing officials from discriminating against someone because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill would not grant special rights to these groups - it would ensure they are treated the same way any other Ohioan expects to be treated by a boss or landlord.

The bill would expand the 2007 executive order of Gov. Ted Strickland that protects state employees from discrimination to include private employees as well.

While marriage equality can often be a controversial subject for many Americans for a variety of reasons, most people are hard-pressed to justify firing a person simply because of who he or she dates in their personal life.

Recent polling suggests that nearly three-quarters of Ohioans believe that no one should be fired from their job or forced from housing because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Leading Ohio businesses have also taken a stand against employment discrimination. Companies such as Big Lots, Abercrombie & Fitch, KeyCorp and Goodyear Tire & Rubber have all adopted non-discrimination policies for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

While it is encouraging that these companies have taken the lead in ensuring equality for all their employees, not all Ohioans are fortunate enough to work for a company that has taken this step. With so many businesses that stress fairness for LGBT employees, Ohio's lack of protections could impede their ability to attract progressive corporations in the future.

By recognizing every person's basic right to fair housing and employment, Ohio would take a momentous step forward towards extending full rights to all.

Few could have imagined after the heartbreaking losses in 2004 that our state would consider adding any protections for gays and lesbians just five short years later. While marriage equality will be an uphill battle in Ohio, providing these basic protections is critical in establishing that all people are entitled to the same rights provided by the Constitution.

Brickner is the communications director of American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio.

Landlords and businesses would be prohibited from discriminating against residents and employees based on their sexual orientation, under legislation introduced in the Ohio House. "We currently live in a state where it is legal to fire someone or deny them a place to live simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Lynne Bowman, executive director of Equality Ohio, an advocacy group that focuses on such issues. "It is time for Ohio to remove the barriers at our borders that tell people they are not welcome in our state if they are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender."

House Bill 176 is sponsored by Reps. Dan Stewart, a Democrat from the Columbus area, and Ross McGregor, a Republican from Springfield. The legislation would prohibit discrimination based on an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity and expression -- comparable to protections already in place for age, race and religious affiliation. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission would handle complaints and conduct hearings into potential violations.

"This is not about marriage, it has nothing to do with marriage," Stewart said. "... This is not about special rights or special privileges. It is equitable treatment based on the same rights and opportunities that all Ohioans have."

Similar bills have been introduced at the Statehouse in past sessions, but none have made it through the committee process. Sponsors this year believe the bill could make it to the floor of the Democrat-controlled Ohio House.

Marc Kovac is the Dix Capital Bureau Chief. E-mail him at mkovac@dixcom.com. Copyright Wooster Republican Printing Co, LLC. 1995-2009. All Rights Reserved.

Advocates for a bill to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity gathered with lawmakers Wednesday to kick off efforts for what they hope is an equal rights breakthrough that will encourage more people to live and work in Ohio.

"This is a bill whose time has come," Lynne Bowman, executive director of Equality Ohio, said at a Statehouse news conference in support of HB 176. "It is time for Ohio to remove the barriers on our borders that tell people they are not welcome in this state if they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender." Supporters said it is currently legal in Ohio to discriminate in the workplace and in housing situations against GLBT individuals, and the practice is not uncommon.

In relaying his group's support for the measure, Ohio Civil Rights Commission Executive Director G. Michael Payton cited a recent case before the panel in which a gay Jewish student was told he was not welcome at a beauty school.

"Certainly there is discrimination going on and this legislation would address that," he said. Cognizant of another polarizing, hot-button issue involving the gay community, Rep. Dan Stewart (D-Columbus), a chief sponsor of the bipartisan measure, stressed out of the gate that the proposal has nothing to do with marriage rights. "It is not about marriage. It is not about special rights or privileges," he said.

Rep. Stewart noted that more than 20 states have passed similar laws, most Fortune 500 companies have related policies and Ohio has taken steps at universities and through Gov. Ted Strickland's executive order to ban such discrimination. He said the key to finally passing such a bill is education. "It's about making clear that all Ohioans should have the same rights," he said.

Rep. Ross McGregor (R-Springfield), the other main sponsor, said he personally believes it's the "right thing to do" but also sees the need for a law update as an employer and business owner. "I can tell you right now we need talented people," he said, adding that discrimination in the workplace is "just non-productive."

"It doesn't help drive the bottom line. It doesn't help drive success," Rep. McGregor said. The sponsors said they were encouraged that a quarter of the 99-member house had signed on as cosponsors. The bill was heard for the first time Wednesday in the House State Government Committee. Skepticism from several Republicans was evident from questions they asked during the later hearing on the proposal.

Rep. David Daniels (R-Greenfield) said he was concerned that the measure would continue the trend of legally dividing and labeling individuals into subgroups based on certain characteristics. "My concern that we continue to set aside or set apart people," he said. "We are all Ohioans, all with the same rights."

Rep. Stewart agreed that ideally the law should treat everyone as equal Ohioans, but said the reality of discrimination demands special consideration in some cases. "We know that we have to make some effort to make that happen."

Rep. Gerald Stebelton (R-Lancaster) expressed concern over language addressing transgender individuals, suggesting it could affect private employers' rights to enforce a dress code. For example, if a law firm hires an individual who later turns out to be a "cross dresser" and makes other employees uncomfortable, "This means I would have no recourse, is that correct?" he asked.

Rep. Stewart said the bill would not interfere with business's dress codes and other states that enacted similar legislation have not experienced any such problems.

Supporters of a bill to make Ohio the 21st state to ban discrimination in employment in housing based on sexual orientation are for the first time expecting the measure to come to a vote.

"We/ve seen a change over the years," said Rep. Dan Stewart (D., Columbus), one of the bill's prime sponsors. "It really is about education, making it clear that all Ohioans have the same rights, not special rights, but the same rights."

Similar measures in prior legislative sessions met with no success. Yesterday marked the beginning of hearings on the latest attempt.

With Democrats now in control of the House, the bill's backers think they have a shot. Democratic Gov. Ted Strickland is on board, having signed an executive order in 2007 that restored a prohibition against such discrimination in state employment under his control.

The House and Senate have similar prohibitions in their internal rules.

But just two Republicans are among the 27 who have attached their names to the House bill.

If that chamber passes it, the bill is likely to face difficulty in the Republican-controlled Senate.

With the exception of religious nonprofit organizations, the proposed Equal Housing and Employment Act would apply to all private and public employers with at least four workers.

Ohio law already forbids discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, disability, and national origin.

"I can tell you right now we need talented people," said Rep. Ross McGregor (R., Springfield), the lead Republican co-sponsor.

"The last thing that anybody should be doing in this economy is trying to determine whether somebody should have a job or a place to live based on their sexual orientation."

Supporters of the bill took pains to separate it from the controversial issue of same-sex marriage, which Ohioans voted to outlaw with a constitutional amendment in 2004. The Cincinnati-based Citizens for Community Values led the way in putting that issue on the ballot.

The bill would also apply to use of public accommodations like public rest rooms.

After three failed attempts in recent years, some state legislators and advocates for the gay community say the time has come for Ohio to join 20 other states in outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Bills to outlaw such bias had done little more than gather dust in past legislative sessions, but this year, supporters say they're optimistic, pointing to 27 House co-sponsors and the support of Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood.

Lynne Bowman, executive director of Equality Ohio, said it's wrong that it remains legal in the state to fire people or deny them a place to live because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

She noted that 443 Fortune 500 companies, 11 of Ohio's four-year public universities, 16 Ohio cities and the House and Senate all have enacted similar laws or rules.

"A call for basic equal treatment in human kindness is not a partisan issue," Bowman said. "It is not a controversial issue. It should not be a difficult issue to support."

House Bill 176 would add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the state's law barring discriminatory practices based on race, color, religion, age, sex, familial status, marital status, military status, national origin, ancestry or disability.

The bill would exempt religious organizations or businesses of a religious nature, such as a Christian bookstore.

Rep. Dan Stewart, D-Columbus, a joint sponsor of the bill, said he has seen a change in attitude toward the legislation over the years as more legislators are educated about it.

He added that Ohio should try to make itself attractive to top employees. "We don't want to have a sign up that says 'You're not welcome here,'" he said.

Rep. Ross McGregor, a Republican business owner from Springfield, joined Stewart in sponsoring the bill and said it makes good business sense. "There is a time and a place for government to be involved, and discrimination is wrong," he said.

But a number of McGregor's Republican colleagues, including Minority Leader William G. Batchelder and Rep. David Daniels of Greenfield, the top GOP member of the House State Government Committee, oppose the bill.

As businesses are being forced to lay off workers, they don't need another potential reason to get sued, said Batchelder, R-Medina.

"I don't think it's a very good idea," he said of the bill, which had its first committee hearing yesterday. "We don't even know what the dimensions of the problem are."

Daniels said he doesn't like dividing Ohioans into new classes. "It begins to set up special rights for people. That's my concern."

Enforcement of the law would fall to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

"There are those that are going to say this is 'special rights,' " said G. Michael Payton, executive director of the commission. "I personally fail to see how there is anything special about according rights that many of us take for granted."

Advocates Renew Push For Gay Rights
Wednesday, March 27,2009
Ohio Public Radio

Gay rights advocates are once again pushing Ohio legislators to expand the state's civil rights law. The activists say that sexual orientation should be added to the list of OTHER factors that are ALREADY banned as the basis for discrimination --- for example, race, religion, national origin, gender, and age. Statehouse correspondent Bill Cohen reports that - even though more and more lawmakers appear ready to co-sponsor the measure, it still faces an uphill battle.

Anti-Discrimination Bill Gets Widespread Support, Symbolizes Changing Views
By Laura A. Bischoff
Staff Writer, Dayton Daily News

In Ohio, it is perfectly legal to fire an employee because he is gay or to evict a lesbian couple from an apartment because they're gay.

For the past eight years, gay rights advocates have tried to get state lawmakers to outlaw such discrimination, but the various bills have died in legislative committees.

This time, Equality Ohio, a non-profit, statewide gay rights group, is confident the Equal Housing and Employment Act will be adopted in the Democrat-controlled House, where 27 members have signed on as co-sponsors.

Equality Ohio Director Lynne Bowman said it'll mark the first positive vote on a gay rights bill in Ohio history.

"It is time for Ohio to remove the barriers at our borders that tells them they are not welcome if they are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered," Bowman said. "It's time for our laws to match our values."

Only two Republicans - Ross McGregor of Springfield and Terry Blair of Washington Twp. - have signed on as co-sponsors. McGregor promised that after it passes the House, he will work for its passage in the GOP-controlled Senate.

The bill is supported by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, which would investigate violations and enforce the law. Ohio law already prohibits discrimination based on race, gender, religion, ancestry, national origin or disability.

Twenty states have adopted laws to bar discrimination based on sexual orientation and 433 of the Fortune 500 companies, 11 of Ohio's 13 public universities, 16 Ohio cities and the General Assembly have established similar workplace rules.

Bowman said statewide surveys conducted in 2006 and 2009 show support for anti-discrimination legislation grew from 66 percent to 72 percent among Ohioans.