An effort is underway to introduce a proposed constitutional amendment in Ohio aimed at providing equal protection for residents, regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation.
A group called Ohio Equal Rights is working to get the amendment on the ballot to protect Ohioans from discrimination in areas like housing, employment, and public accommodations, based on factors such as sexual orientation, gender, age, and military status. This effort mirrors the Ohio Fairness Act, a bill introduced seven times in the state legislature that has yet to pass.
Liz Schmidt, a representative of Ohio Equal Rights, explained that the proposed amendment would also repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in Ohio’s constitution.
“The passage of this broad non-discrimination language would include revoking the current gay marriage ban that remains in Ohio’s constitution, which would be reinstated if federal protections for gay marriage were ever overturned,” Schmidt said.
The group has been studying anti-discrimination policies from other states while developing Ohio’s proposal. However, Schmidt emphasized that Ohio’s version will be unique and tailored to the state’s context. “We’ve been doing local research to ensure that the language we use will effectively protect Ohioans and make sense in an Ohio context,” she said.
Ohio Equal Rights plans to ramp up its campaign for the amendment in 2025. Schmidt said the group is currently in the coalition-building phase, seeking partners and endorsements. “We’re still in the early stages, but we expect the campaign to move quickly in 2025,” Schmidt added.