HB 59 is the main operating budget for fiscal years 2014-2015. This provision exempts a religious corporation, association, educational institution, or society from certain discriminatory employment practices by permitting religious employers to hire or fire any employee, in any position, if the employee does not share the same religious beliefs or practices.
Jurisdiction/Legislation Level
State
LCS Legislation Status
http://lsc.state.oh.us/coderev/hou130.nsf/House+Bill+Number/0059?OpenDoc...
Our Take on This Bill
Ohio’s religious employers already had constitutional protection to discriminate in employment decisions relating to the hiring and firing of ministerial employees. This amendment to HB 59 expands that power to discriminate against all employees for religious reasons. For example, it allows a Christian school the right to fire the janitor for having a different religion.
The ACLU of Ohio believes this amendment swings the pendulum too far in favor of religious entities and is extremely disappointed the legislature moved to decrease protections for Ohio workers.
Bill Status
On May 15, 2013, the ACLU of Ohio presented testimony opposing this portion of HB 59.
Passed out of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee on 4/17/13
Passed the House on 4/18/13
Passed out of the Senate Finance Committee on 6/5/13
Passed the Senate on 6/6/13
Signed by the Governor on 6/30/13
Committees
Finance (S), Finance and Appropriations (H)
