Ohio Democratic Party Praises Passage of H.B. 176. Bill Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 15, 2009
Contact: Seth Bringman
614-221-6563 ext. 145

Ohio Democratic Party Praises Passage of H.B. 176

Bill Prohibits Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

COLUMBUS - Today, the Ohio Democratic Party praised the passage of H.B. 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act, a bill to prohibit discrimination in housing and employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. All House Democrats supported the bill. It is the first bill that was passed in the Statehouse when legislators returned to session today and the first bill in our state's history that would expand rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Ohioans.

"With today's historic vote, we are one step closer to ensuring that Ohioans will not be fired or kicked out of their homes just because of who they are or who they love," said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Redfern. "The fact that all House Democrats supported H.B. 176 is a testament to our Party's commitment to equality for all Ohioans. I congratulate Equality Ohio and their coalition partners, the Human Rights Campaign and Stonewall Democrats, as well as Representative Dan Stewart, House Leadership and all who worked so diligently to make passage of this bill possible. We urge Senate President Bill Harris to move it through committee and to a vote on the Senate floor."

The LGBT Caucus of the Ohio Democratic Party joined LGBT groups in working to pass this bill. The Ohio Democratic Party is the only State Party in the country with a full-time staff member dedicated to outreach to the LGBT community.

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