The LGBTQ+ community has been oppressed for hundreds of years, and just recently (the past couple of decades) they have been taken into more consideration in the views of the public and the government. In 2010, the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” law was placed by President Barack Obama, allowing any member of the LGBTQ+ community to be able to join any section of the military and protect their country. This was a humongous step for America, and today we’re doing even more.

In Ohio, a law has been proposed to our governmental leaders that would bar discrimination of the community. This new law is known as the “Ohio Fairness Act” would outlaw all prejudice in housing, employment, and public accommodations. This act was set forth by Lakewood’s own state representative, Mike Skindell, and Uhrchsville’s Brett Hillyer just this week.

Lakewood is a very welcoming neighborhood, however, unlike a large portion of modern-day America, we lack clear protections for the LGBTQ+ residents. This is surprising, especially since more than 390,000 people identify as LGBTQ+.

So far, this act has gained a lot of attention. It has already received a hearing for proponent testimony and is on the track to receive a hearing for opposition testimony. The next two needed steps are for the bill to be voted out of committee and if it is voted out of the Ohio Senate, then the process will repeat in the Ohio House. The predictions say it is very clear that this toleration act will surely become a part of our legislature.

“As a part of the community, I am so glad action is finally being taken in Ohio to secure my rights in the future and making it even more welcoming,” a peer stated who asked not to be named.

“This seems like an important step to reach equality,” Jordan Rossen said when asked her thoughts on the topic.

The freedom to be accepted no matter who or what you are should always be a part of the 50 States, and with this act, Ohio will become a little closer to the optimal goal.