UPdate – I missed the testimony and the vote, but Equality OH reports that it passed 56-38, with 50 democrats and 6 republicans voting in favor.   Too bad this is just the first step, and it is now on to the senate, which is a bit more reactionary,  the majority floor leader (R) Keith Faber cites in his bio ” Keith helped lead the fight for Ohio’s Defense Marriage Act and Ohio’s Marriage Amendment.”  and Senate President Bill Harris (R) says he doesn't see a need for the legislation and that it would place a “burden on business'.  Not sure how basing hiring and firing decisions on jjob qualifications and performance will burden the corporate world, but i will be asking him what that means.

The Ohio House vote to protect lgbt people in the workplace and housing is scheduled to take place Sept. 15.  I'm not able to take off work to trek to Columbus at this point – but Equality Ohio is calling for those who are in Ohio to attend the session if possible. 

from gov site– Changes Proposed in the Bill –

The bill adds sexual orientation and gender identity to the covered characteristics that can be the basis for unlawful discriminatory practices under the prohibitions of the existing OCRC Law (R.C. 4112.02(A) to (H), and 4112.021).  The bill defines “sexual orientation” as heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality whether actual or perceived (R.C. 4112.01(A)(23)) and “gender identity” as the gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual's designated sex at birth (R.C. 4112.01(A)(24)).

text from Equality OH——–

The Ohio House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on HB 176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act, tomorrow, Tuesday, September 15 during Session at 11:00 a.m.  Let’s pack Representatives' Hall for this historic event!

You’ll find the Hall on the State Street (south) side of the Ohio Statehouse on the 2nd floor.  When you arrive, look for Equality Ohio volunteers handing out “Do What’s Right Ohio” buttons to help identify supporters of HB176.

If you can not make it to the Statehouse tomorrow, you can watch the vote here
http://www.ohiochannel.org/multimedia/organizations/organization.cfm?organization_id=31