Next week in Ohio: One committee hearing, two anti-LGBTQ+ bills and two big (potential) votes

Ohio’s LGBTQ+ community will be watching the Ohio House Judicial Committee on March 25, as two anti-LGBTQ+ bills have hearings, with one scheduled for a possible vote. 

HB 249, The Ohio Drag Ban

First up, the committee will have a fourth hearing for HB 249, “The Enact the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act,” which would ban drag and gender performances outside of “adult cabaret” venues or in any public venue where a minor may be present.

The third hearing last Wednesday featured drag performers and LGBTQ+ advocates from across the state testifying against the bill. Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp) was combative towards the witnesses all throughout the hearing, flatly telling them they were wrong and that only his interpretation of the Constitution and the law were correct, even when the witnesses were fellow attorneys. 

Drag performers testify against Ohio drag ban that also targets transgender people

In one fiery exchange, he immediately dismissed the testimony the director of public policy of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio and Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, Danielle Firsich, due to his opposition to her employer. 

Firsich quickly retorted that Williams was not standing on solid moral high ground given that the bill’s fellow primary sponsor – Rep. Angie King (R-Celina) – stood alongside neo-Nazis to protest a Pride celebration and a co-sponsor of the bill – Rep. Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria) – has been accused of sexual misconduct with a minor, resulting in his committee assignments being stripped by his own party. 

Next week, the drag ban’s, fourth hearing is scheduled “Poss. Vote,” meaning that the committee could vote on approving the bill. The 13-person committee is stacked with nine Republicans – including Williams – likely resulting in the bill passing. 

Later in the afternoon, the House has a full session, where the bill could be passed through to the Senate, given that Republicans hold 65 of the 99 seats. 

HB 693, The Affirming Families First Act

Later at that same Judiciary Committee meeting, lawmakers will hear the second hearing of HB 693, “The Affirming Families First Act,” which would grant protections to parents who reject their trans minor children. 

The bill redefines “affirmation” as a parent’s right to acknowledge only a child’s sex at birth and not have their rejection of their trans child used against them by any courts or state agencies. 

The first hearing for this bill was held on March 11 and featured testimony from the bill’s sponsors: again, both Williams and Click, both sponsors of myriad anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Tensions flare in Ohio House Committee over whether trans people exist and ‘parental alienation’

The hearing turned starkly contentious when Democratic lawmakers pushed back on the Republican co-sponsors regarding the anti-trans underpinnings of the bill. When asked whether he believed transgender people even exist, Click called it a “trick question” before launching into a response full of false data.

Next week’s HB 693 hearing will be proponent testimony: those in support of the bill. That witness list will likely include paid consultants who travel across the country testifying for bills that deny and seek to outlaw the lived experience of trans Americans. 

On X, Rep. Click indicated that Jamie Reed would be soon visiting Ohio, likely to testify on Wednesday. Reed – a self-proclaimed “courageous public whistleblower from a U.S. pediatric gender clinic” – touts that she testified in 17 states in 2025. Click repeatedly highlights Reed as an ally to his legislation, making sure to label her a “lesbian,” as he asserts that “many” lesbians, gay men and bisexual individuals stand with him. 

Following Wednesday’s hearing, HB 693 would next be scheduled for opponent testimony – those opposed to the bill – at a future hearing, as early as the following week. 🔥

This piece has been updated to correct the spelling of Jamie Reed’s name.

IGNITE ACTION

• The Ohio House Judiciary Committee members are listed here.
• The Buckeye Flame’s Ohio LGBTQ+ legislation guide for 2025 can be found here.
• To register to vote or to check your voter eligibility status in the state of Ohio, click here.
• To find contact information for your Ohio state representative, click here.
• To find contact information for your Ohio state senator, click here.
• If you are a young LGBTQ+ person in crisis, please contact the Trevor Project: 866-4-U-Trevor.
• If you are an transgender adult in need of immediate help, contact the National Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860