The ACLU of Ohio works to ensure that all LGBTQ Ohioans can live openly and authentically without discrimination, harassment, or violence. In recent years, there has been an onslaught of legislative attacks against Transgender and gender non-conforming Ohioans, particularly targeted at trans youth.
Learn more about our Transgender justice work by visiting our spotlight page.
Ohio does not have a statewide law that protects LGBTQ people from discrimination. This means that a person can still be fired, denied housing, or refused service simply because of whom they love or how they identify. Unfortunately, the Ohio legislature has been voting down LGBTQ nondiscrimination bills for the past twenty years.
Ohio lawmakers have the opportunity to extend basic statewide protections to the LGBTQ community by passing the bipartisan Ohio Fairness Act — Senate Bill 119, legislation introduced in June 2023. The Ohio Fairness Act prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations.
The ACLU of Ohio is a proud partner of Ohio Business Competes alongside Equality Ohio, Trans Ohio, and the Human Rights Campaign. Together, we are rallying the Ohio business community and calling on legislators to make the Ohio Fairness Act a reality. Ohio Business Competes is a nonpartisan coalition of businesses committed to achieving nondiscrimination policies at the state level in order to promote an attractive, prosperous, and economically vibrant Ohio. With over 1,000 diverse members in every legislative district in the state, Ohio Business Competes proves that statewide action is needed. Learn more about Ohio Business Competes or join the coalition, by visiting www.ohiobusinesscompetes.org.
As of February 20, 2024, 35 localities and 1 county in Ohio have passed local ordinances banning any LGBTQ discrimination (sexual orientation or gender identity) in employment, housing, and public accommodations, but LGBTQ Ohioans deserve more than a piecemeal approach.
