A new report from the Human Rights Campaign ranks Ohio among the worst states for LGBTQ equality.
The 2018 , released on Thursday, grouped along with 27 other states that are a 鈥渉igh priority to achieve basic equality.鈥�
鈥淚n these states, advocates focus on raising support for basic LGBTQ equality, such as non-discrimination laws,鈥� the report explains. 鈥淭hese states are most likely to have religious refusal or other anti-LGBTQ laws.鈥�
Critically, Ohio lacks state laws that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. An proposed last year by state Rep. Nicki Antonio (D-Lakewood) failed to advance in the Republican-dominated legislature, despite support from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
The state also lacks laws protecting LGBTQ youth from conversion therapy, laws protecting health care benefits for transgender people, and laws allowing gender updates to birth certificates.
One area that HRC applauded was Gov. Mike DeWine鈥檚 recent prohibiting housing, public accommodation and employment discrimination against LGBTQ state employees. The order was first soon before he left office.
鈥淭oday, by continuing these crucial non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ state employees, Governor DeWine did the right thing, and we hope his administration will push for the fair treatment of all LGBTQ Ohioans over the next four years,鈥� said HRC Ohio state director Shawn Copeland in a .
Despite Ohio鈥檚 low ranking, many of its cities perform strongly in the HRC鈥檚 annual ranking of . Last year, Columbus, Akron, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo and Cleveland all scored a for LGBTQ inclusion.
Other states in the lowest category are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
On the other side of the spectrum are states like California, New York and Massachusetts, which are 鈥渨orking toward innovative equality.鈥�
