The Ohio Fairness Act aims to amend sections 4112.01 and 4112.05 of the Revised Code to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The bill introduces new legal language that clarifies that provisions regarding sex discrimination now explicitly include discrimination based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression. Additionally, it incorporates mediation as an informal method for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission to resolve allegations of unlawful discriminatory practices while maintaining existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law.

Furthermore, the bill revises the procedures for handling complaints related to unlawful discriminatory practices, specifying that the attorney general will represent the commission during hearings and establishing a one-year timeline for issuing complaints. It allows for amendments to complaints and clarifies the rights of both respondents and complainants during hearings. The commission is granted authority to issue orders for respondents to cease unlawful practices and may impose civil penalties based on the severity of violations. The bill also includes provisions for awarding attorney's fees to respondents if no unlawful practices are found and repeals existing sections of the Revised Code related to these procedures, reaffirming the state's commitment to religious exemptions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 4112.01, 4112.05