COLUMBUS (AP) — Largely along party lines, the Ohio House has passed a gay rights bill that took years to make it to a floor vote.
The legislation barring employment and housing discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity was approved 56-39 on Tuesday, with all majority Democrats in attendance voting yes, along with five Republicans.
The bill’s supporters called its protections a matter of fairness, while opponents said the measure is aimed at forcing people to accept a lifestyle that many have a problem with, on religious grounds.
The legislation now goes to the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate. Senate President Bill Harris has said the bill is not necessary and would place a burden on businesses.
Comments
This is an important first step in getting major companies to further invest in Ohio and the Mahoning Valley.
We need to contact our state senators and urge them to pass HB176 as written.
@green, How does this relate to companies moving to Ohio? I'm not following your logic.
Most larger companies are onboard with the idea that people of different sexual orientations deserve equal treatment. I doubt they're interested in moving their investments to an area where some of their employees may be marginalized by lack of equal rights.
It's about getting and keeping the best people for the job IMO.