Today, Governor Mike DeWine issued an executive order that prohibits discrimination against LGBTQ state employees. This executive order was among the first six that Governor DeWine signed, underscoring his recognition of the need for respectful and fair treatment of all state employees, including LGBTQ workers.

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Governor DeWine’s executive order builds on one issued by former Governor John Kasich in late December, where the former Governor added gender identity or expression to his executive order on nondiscrimination. Today, Governor DeWine continued that policy, marking the second time in one month that Republican leadership in Ohio has reaffirmed the humanity of LGBTQ people and the need for fully-inclusive nondiscrimination protections.

Equality Ohio Executive Director Alana Jochum issued the following statement: “By issuing this executive order protecting state employees, including LGBTQ state employees, from discrimination, Governor DeWine made a strong statement on his first day that he will be a Governor for all Ohioans. Ohio is still playing catch-up when it comes to welcoming LGBTQ people––and we are grateful that Governor DeWine, like Governor Kasich before him, recognizes the need for these common-sense protections in Ohio.”

TransOhio Executive Director James Knapp issued the following statement: “No person should fear being fired from their job for simply being who they are, and today, Governor DeWine ensured that LGBTQ+ state employees are as free as everybody else to bring their whole selves to work. This is a victory for all of Ohio, and we hope that the Ohio legislature will also see the great significance of protecting transgender employees in private employment through passage of the Ohio Fairness Act.”