By Brian Massie, A Watchman on the Wall
Thanks to Diane Stover, Program Director of Protect Ohio Children Coalition for sending this article to us.
Marriage equality, school policies: These Ohio bills could shape LGBTQ+ rights in 2026
by: David Rees
Posted: Dec 26, 2025 / 05:30 AM EST
Updated: Dec 26, 2025 / 01:02 PM EST
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Legislation impacting Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community remains largely divided along party lines, with most proposals stalled in committee and a handful advancing through hearings at the Statehouse.
Democratic lawmakers have renewed efforts to expand protections, including a push to repeal Ohio’s dormant same-sex marriage ban, while Republicans have continued advancing measures focused on schools, libraries, public performances and election rules. Here’s where key LGBTQ-related bills stand heading into 2026.
Overturn same-sex marriage ban
Reps. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) and Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) reintroduced the “Marriage Equality Act” in June through a House joint resolution that would repeal the state’s dormant same-sex marriage ban, citing concerns it could be reenacted if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns marriage equality.
While the resolution didn’t receive a hearing in the House Judiciary Committee, organizers with a group called Ohio Equal Rights have since begun collecting signatures to place a constitutional amendment on the November 2026 ballot that would enshrine marriage equality into Ohio’s constitution.
‘Recognize two sexes,’ restrict LGBTQ+ library books
Gov. Mike DeWine signed Ohio’s next operating budget in June, which included codifying a state policy recognizing two sexes, male and female, and stating that “these sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”
While DeWine vetoed a provision in the budget requiring libraries to restrict LGBTQ+ books, Republican lawmakers signaled they might overturn his decision.
Enact the ‘Ohio Fairness Act,’ outlaw LGBTQ+ discrimination
Previously bipartisan legislation to ban discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community was again proposed this year, but without Republican support.
Named the “Ohio Fairness Act,” the legislation was reintroduced for the 12th time through Senate Bill 70. It 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, but didn’t receive a hearing.
Stricter rules on ‘obscene’ drag queens, indecent exposure
Legislators again introduced an “adult cabaret performances” ban in May through House Bill 249, which 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 what they describe as “obscene” drag queen shows and the case of a transgender woman found not guilty on charges related to using a women’s locker room. H.B. 249 received two Ohio House Judiciary Committee hearings.
Prohibit conversion therapy for minors
As 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 Antonio (D-Lakewood) and Beth Listen (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, but didn’t receive a hearing.
Categories: Community Activism, Contributors