Ohio Equal Rights is spearheading an initiative to introduce a proposed constitutional amendment that aims to provide equal protection for all Ohioans, regardless of gender, age, or sexual orientation. The group is working to put forth an amendment that would protect individuals based on various characteristics, including sexual orientation, gender, age, military status, and more, particularly in areas such as housing, employment, and public accommodations. This initiative is similar to a bill in the Ohio Legislature called the Ohio Fairness Act, which has been introduced multiple times but has yet to pass.
Liz Schmidt, a representative of Ohio Equal Rights, emphasized that the proposed amendment would also repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) currently in the state constitution. The group has been studying anti-discrimination policies in other states to develop Ohio’s unique proposal, ensuring that it is tailored to the needs of Ohioans.
The group plans to launch a campaign for the effort in 2025, seeking partners to join their coalition and endorse their cause. Schmidt anticipates rapid progress in the campaign during the upcoming year as they continue to build their coalition and gather support for the proposed constitutional amendment. If successful, the amendment would provide crucial protections for Ohioans and eliminate discriminatory barriers based on gender, age, sexual orientation, and other factors.
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