Bill would ban discrimination against gays

UPDATED, 1:10 p.m.: Here's a little AP story on it:

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A bipartisan group of state lawmakers says a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation has its best chance of passage this year.

A small but growing coalition of legislators say they intend to lobby strongly for a law that would add gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender individuals to those protected from discrimination in hiring, credit and housing.

Rep. Dan Stewart, a Columbus Democrat, and Sen. Dale Miller, a Cleveland Democrat, said Tuesday that the issue affects Ohio’s economy. Stewart says people across the country know they can be fired in Ohio for being gay and so don’t move to the state.

Twenty-one states have similar discrimination protections in place.

Here's the original press release:

New Anti-Discrimination Legislation to be Unveiled

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Jon Peterson (R-Delaware) and Dan Stewart (D-Columbus) will be joined by State Senator Dale Miller (D-Columbus) on Tuesday, March 11 to unveil new legislation to fight discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Current Ohio law does not ban discrimination in housing, employment or public accommodations (such as restaurants) based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This bill would change that legal flaw to protect the rights of people of all backgrounds.

What: News Conference

When: Tuesday, March 11, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Ladies Gallery
Ohio Statehouse

Who: State Representative Jon Peterson
State Representative Dan Stewart
State Senator Dale Miller
Lynne Bowman, Equality Ohio Executive Director
Jimmie Beall, who lost school job when discovered she was a lesbian

Why: To introduce legislation banning discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity