Today, with a vote of 56 to 39, the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act that includes sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Bill protects all queer folks, not just the A-gays, which is clearly a big deal. Its the 1st time a vote protecting queer folks has come to the Ohio General Assembly in the history of the state.
The bill is on its way to the Senate, and I’m anxious about the progress. When lobbying for the bill this past summer, I was unsure it would even get this far. Some reps I spoke with were optimistic about the bill, referencing their gay cousins and the fight for equality. Other reps couldn’t understand why the bill was needed, or event what it was for…
All we can do is wait. I’ll keep you posted.
x-posted AmplifyYourVoice.com