Gay Ohio Employees Get Protection Against Discrimination

COLUMBUS, OH -- A new Executive Order that will protect more than 60,000 state employees from discrimination based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity was signed by Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland Thursday.

The order states that discriminatory conduct in hiring and other employment related decisions undermines the State's ability to attract and retain the best possible employees. It also says that because of the contributions that State employees make, their colleagues and supervisors should treat them with respect and dignity.

"Information compiled by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission documents ongoing and past discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and/or gender identity in employment-related decisions by personnel at Ohio agencies, boards and commissions," the executive order says.

Equality Ohio praised Strickland's move, saying it will nudge Ohio out of dead-last place when looking at a broad range of legislative protections for LGBT people and families.

Lynne Bowman, the organizations executive director, said "When it comes to how we treat lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender citizens and their families, it is high time to align Ohio’s laws and policies with the values of its people."

"Ohio currently places near the bottom in every important national economic indicator," Bowman said. "Governor Strickland understands that in order to be economically competitive, Ohio must create an environment that will attract businesses, employees, and families."