© 2024 Ideastream Public Media

1375 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115
(216) 916-6100 | (877) 399-3307

WKSU is a public media service licensed to Kent State University and operated by Ideastream Public Media.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
News
To contact us with news tips, story ideas or other related information, e-mail newsstaff@ideastream.org.

Religious Leaders and Gay-Rights Advocates Call for Statewide LGBT Protections

LGBT advocates hold Equality Ohio signs at a press conference. (Jo Ingles / Ohio Public Radio)
LGBT advocates hold Equality Ohio signs at a press conference. (Jo Ingles / Ohio Public Radio)

Rebecca Hug with the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church said gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Ohioans are not protected from job or housing discrimination under current laws.

“Discrimination of our beloved LGBT siblings has been occurring in Ohio and will continue to occur if government does not take affirmative action in protecting the dignity and worth of all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity," Hug said.

The faith leaders cited polling that shows 84 percent of Ohioans mistakenly believe there is already a state law on the books protecting gay and lesbian employees from job discrimination. They say without basic protection in things like housing and employment, many talented Gay and Lesbian people are reluctant to live in the buckeye state.

Nick Castele was a senior reporter covering politics and government for Ideastream Public Media. He worked as a reporter for Ideastream from 2012-2022.