H.B. 524 - Ohio Fairness Act Summary

• Amends Ohio civil rights law to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in employment, housing, public accommodations, and other areas currently protected by Ohio's Civil Rights Law.

• Defines sex discrimination to include discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression across all relevant sections of the Revised Code.

• Adds mediation as an informal method the Ohio Civil Rights Commission may use to resolve discrimination complaints, alongside existing conference, conciliation, and persuasion methods.

• Upholds existing religious exemptions currently in Ohio law, preserving religious organization exemptions from civil rights protections.

• Establishes civil penalties for violations related to housing discrimination of up to $10,000 for first violations, $25,000 for one prior violation within five years, and $50,000 for two or more violations within seven years.