Ohio House Bill 616 (HB 616) is a curriculum ban bill combined with a more dangerous version of Florida’s Don’t Say Gay bill. HB 616 is more broad and vague, expanding censorship of LGBTQ+ issues from Kindergarten through 12th grade. It would effectively erase LGBTQ+ people from the classroom and is exceptionally cruel to community members, their families, and anyone who loves them.
LGBTQ+ youth are already more marginalized and vulnerable in the classroom. And this legislation will also deeply harm the more than 30% of LGBTQ+ adults who are raising kids in Ohio, by ending discussion of non-traditional families in the classroom and banning students from discussing their own lived experiences.
We know that more than 79% of Ohioans believe in nondiscrimination protections. This legislation is out of step with Ohioans, takes our state down the wrong path, and must be defeated.
Contact House Speaker Robert Cupp and tell him to oppose this harmful bill.