Pronoun rules, discrimination ban: These 2025 bills could shape LGBTQ+ Ohio rights ...Middle East

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Both sides of the political aisle have proposed Statehouse bills in 2025 impacting Ohio's LGBTQ+ community, from a long-shot effort to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation to restricting certain drag queen shows and pronouns in schools.

Ohio's Republican majority has introduced at least half a dozen bills this General Assembly that opponents deem "anti-LGBTQ+," among nearly 600 proposed laws nationwide that the American Civil Liberties Union has listed under the same designation. Inversely, the Statehouse's Democratic caucus has brought forth about four bills that have garnered support from local LGBTQ+ advocates.

Here's how each bill is shaping Ohio's LGBTQ+ community.

'Recognize two sexes,' restrict LGBTQ+ library books

DeWine signed Ohio's next two-year operating budget in June, which included codifying a state policy recognizing two sexes, male and female, and that "these sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality." While the governor vetoed a provision in the budget requiring libraries to restrict LGBTQ+ books, Republican lawmakers have signaled they might overturn his decision.

Enact the 'Ohio Fairness Act,' outlaw LGBTQ+ discrimination

Previously bipartisan legislation to ban discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community is again being proposed, but without Republican support. Named the "Ohio Fairness Act," the legislation was reintroduced for the 12th time through Senate Bill 70 and would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, without creating new protected classes or infringing on religious liberty.

S.B. 70 was assigned to the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee and has yet to receive a hearing.

'Given Name Act' proposes strict rules for names, pronouns in schools

Introduced in March, House Bill 190 would require public schools to have parental permission to refer to a student by a name or pronoun that differs from what is listed on their birth certificate. Schools that violate the "Given Name Act" would be denied state funding and open themselves to lawsuits.

H.B. 190 received an Ohio House Education Committee hearing in April.

Prohibit conversion therapy for minors

While an increasing number of Ohio cities are banning anti-LGBTQ+ practices known as conversion therapy, Statehouse lawmakers have revived a bill to prohibit the practices statewide. Senate Bill 71, proposed in February by Sens. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Beth Liston (D-Dublin), would prohibit healthcare professionals in Ohio from engaging in conversion therapy with minors. 

S.B. 71 was assigned to the Senate Health Committee and has yet to receive a hearing.

Ban mental health services for minors without parental consent

House Bill 172 was introduced in March and would ban a mental health professional from treating a minor who "presents for the diagnosis or treatment of a gender-related condition" without first obtaining consent from a least one parent or guardian. Equality Ohio argues the measure would cut off "a crucial lifeline" for LGBTQ+ youth who live in unsupportive homes and confide in their therapist or school counselor. 

H.B. 172 received an Ohio House Health Committee hearing in May.

Stricter rules on 'obscene' drag queens, indecent exposure

Legislators again introduced an "adult cabaret performances" ban in May through House Bill 249 that LGBTQ+ advocates say will outlaw drag queen shows in public. The measure's Republican sponsors argue the bill is needed to update indecent exposure laws, citing recent "obscene" drag queen shows and the case of a trans woman found not guilty on charges related to using a women's locker room.

H.B. 249 received an Ohio House Judiciary Committee hearing in May.

The 'Parents Rights for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity' Act

Rep. Karen Brownlee (D-Symmes Township) said her new parental rights bill that coincided with Pride Month is designed to combat the "hostile environment" fostered by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. House Bill 327, the "Parents Rights for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity" Act (PRIDE Act), would protect Ohio parents' access to evidence-based medical and behavioral health care, hygiene care like menstrual care products, and educational opportunities for their children "that are reflective of and inclusive of all students."

H.B. 327 was assigned to the House Children and Human Services Committee and has yet to receive a hearing.

To celebrate 'Natural Family Month'

Proposed in May by Republicans, House Bill 262 plans to designate a month celebrating "natural families" with "a clear male leader." Rep. Beth Lear (R-Galena) said the legislation helps emphasize "that marriage and families are the cornerstone of civil society," while Equality Ohio said the bill invalidates single parents and "takes direct aim at LGBTQ+ families."

H.B. 262 received two Ohio House Community Revitalization hearings in June.

To mark 'Love Makes a Family Week'

In response to "Natural Family Month," Democrats proposed Senate Bill 211 in June to mark "Love Makes a Family Week." Sen. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) said the bill is meant to celebrate "all families formed through love," like those built through adoption, fosterhood, surrogacy and IVF; single-parent families, blended families, multigenerational households and more.

S.B. 211 was assigned to the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee and has yet to receive a hearing.

Amplifying a rule that targeted trans Statehouse candidates

Lawmakers revived a bill in March, doubling down on a rule that nearly disqualified their transgender opponents from the ballot in last November's election. House Bill 196 reiterates existing Ohio law requiring candidates who have changed their name to complete forms with their current and former names.

Rep. Angie King (R-Celina) proposed a nearly identical bill in 2024, when her opponent, a trans candidate named Arienne Childrey, was nearly disqualified from running for not including her deadname on petition paperwork. H.B. 196 received an Ohio House General Government Committee hearing in April.

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