For nearly 30 years the City of Columbus has been a leader
in Ohio when it comes to civil rights and providing protections from
discrimination for all residents. As a part of Mayor Ginther’s Equity Agenda,
the Department of Neighborhoods, in partnership with City Council and the City
Attorney’s Office, completed an extensive review and update of Columbus’ Civil Rights
Code.
In order to continue to provide Columbus residents with the most up to
date and expansive protections possible, ordinance 1212-2021 to City Council was passed by Columbus City Council in May of 2021. This was the
largest and most comprehensive update to the City’s civil rights code since its
inception in 1991. The updates to the code include:
- Adding
the ability for the Community Relations Commission to issue a civil fine
when discrimination has occurred.
- Providing
protections for those who choose to wear natural hair styles.
- Ensuring
protection for LGBTQIA+ youth.
- Protecting
those who receive gender affirming care.
- Protecting
individuals who exercise their reproductive rights.
The updated code can be viewed here.