June 24, 2015

Yesterday, the Bexley City Council approved a nondiscrimination ordinance protecting individuals against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations, based upon sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. Ordinance 1215 was approved with a majority six “yes” votes.

Council members began drafting this legislation earlier this year after Jenn Moffitt and Jerra Knicely were told by a photographer that she would not offer services for same-sex weddings.

This ordinance comes as a sigh of relief for Moffitt and Knicely, who had plenty of support from the City Council, several business owners, and others in the state.

Federation member Equality Ohio worked with the Deneese Owen, who spearheaded this effort on behalf of the council. They brought in legal expertise, helped draft the ordinance, brought diverse community members to the table, and testified before the council.

Thank you to Jenn Moffitt Jerra Knicely, the Bexley City Council, and Equality Ohio for protecting the LGBT community in Bexley!