Ohio2026Passed Legislature

HB136

HB136: Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity

Last scannedAug 25, 2026, 4:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill amends Ohio law to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression in employment, public accommodations, and housing while upholding existing religious exemptions.

Amends sections 4112.01 and 4112.05 of the Revised Code to add protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression.
Adds mediation as an informal method that the Ohio Civil Rights Commission may use to resolve complaints.
Upholds existing religious exemptions under Ohio's Civil Rights Law.

Employers with four or more employees within the state of Ohio, including the state and its political subdivisions.
Owners, managers, brokers, agents, and others involved in housing accommodations such as sales, rentals, or leases.
Operators of places of public accommodation like restaurants, theaters, stores, bars, hotels, and transportation services.

The provided text does not state a specific effective date for when these changes will take effect.
While existing religious exemptions are upheld, the bill excerpt does not list or define what those specific exemptions include.
The official status indicates the bill passed the legislature, but no information is included regarding final executive action such as signing by the governor.

Plain language

Sexual orientation: A protected category under the bill that prohibits discrimination based on a person's sexual attraction or identity.
Gender identity: A protected category under the bill that prohibits discrimination based on a person's internal sense of gender.
Mediation: An informal method added to the law that allows the Ohio Civil Rights Commission to help resolve complaints without going directly to court.

Official record

Source attached

Prohibit sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination

Official activity