Rep. Antonio applauds Cleveland vote to protect transgender Ohioans

State Rep. Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) today released the following statement regarding the recent vote by the Cleveland City Council to allow transgender Ohioans to choose whichever restroom, shower, or locker room aligns with their gender identity, without fear of discrimination:  

“I congratulate the leadership of Council President Kevin Kelly and every member of Cleveland City Council for their unanimous vote to protect transgender citizens under the city’s public accommodations law.

“This historic vote brings Cleveland's code in line with more than 100 nondiscrimination statutes across the country that protect the entire LGBT community, with no exceptions.

The council’s action will help protect transgender Ohioans in the most fundamental way – by allowing them to use the facilities that match the gender identity that they live every single day.

“Full equality, legal protections and the civil rights that most in this country enjoy are fundamental core values of our nation. LGBT Ohioans in Cleveland and 15 other cities are one step closer to enjoying the full scope of those values. I will continue to work on state legislation, such as House Bill 389, until all members of the LGBT community in Ohio enjoy full equality. We should accept nothing less.”