Discriminatory Legislation In Ohio Aimed at LGBTQIA+ Communities
The latest push back by the Ohio GOP came earlier this month when Governor Mike DeWine signed LGBTQIA+ discrimination into law. The language, which was buried within the 700 pages of amendments to the state’s two-year budget plan, makes it legal for healthcare workers and health insurance companies to refuse to provide or pay for medical services, whether it be basic care or life-saving measures, on the basis of personal beliefs; including, moral, ethical, or religious objection, specifically in instances that disproportionately impact the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as reproductive freedom.
For example, a doctor or healthcare provider can refuse to prescribe gender-affirming care/medication to trans and nonbinary folks, simply on the notion that they feel it is against their morals to do so. In a state where LGBTQIA+ support, let alone medical care, is sparse to begin with, as a quarter of the LGBTQIA+ community of Ohio lives in the state’s most rural areas, the law grants doctors a license to discriminate. Concurrently, a provider or insurance company can deny birth control or abortions to patients, even in instances where it could be life-saving, under the same explanation.
Rightfully so, many local and state advocacy groups are pushing back against the law and the grounds it was passed on. The Ohio GOP tried to get trans folks completely banned from competing in high school sports in early June, but the measures failed. Sneaking this new law into budget provisions was their underhanded way to pass the outright dangerous and discriminatory measure and avoid public scrutiny. The over 250 anti-LGBT bills passed through state legislators in 2021 alone demonstrate the malicious, vile attack on the LGBTQIA+ community in our country.
At Rideshare2Vote, not only do we provide an ally to voters in the polls, but we are a movement that is constantly working to dismantle these very systems of oppression. Our drivers are trained to assist voters in every aspect of the voting process – down to walking inside the polls and assisting them. The GOP is working tirelessly to beat down communities of color, the LGBTQIA community, and many others who are already disenfranchised with laws like this. Right now, we are putting wheels under democracy in Ohio in Congressional District 11 to protect the seat and the lives of thousands in the special primary election on August 3rd. It is our duty to fight back and get Democrats elected who will stand up and protect rights for all communities. Join us as we begin the fight to flip Ohio.
By Heather Tingley
