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In a historic move, Ohio lawmakers have passed a series of civil rights legislation aimed at protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the state. The legislation, which was signed into law by Governor Jonathon Payne, includes measures to prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, employment, and public accommodations.The passage of these civil rights protections comes after years of advocacy and activism from LGBTQ+ rights organizations and allies in the state. Ohio has long lagged behind other states in terms of LGBTQ+ rights, with many community members facing discrimination and harassment in their daily lives."I am thrilled to see this long-overdue legislation become law in Ohio," said Sarah Jenkins, a member of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group Equality Ohio. "For too long, LGBTQ+ individuals in our state have been subjected to discrimination and mistreatment simply for being who they are. This legislation is a major step forward in ensuring that all Ohioans are treated with dignity and respect."The new civil rights protections also include provisions for transgender individuals, such as ensuring access to gender-affirming healthcare and prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity in schools and healthcare settings. This is especially important as transgender individuals continue to face high rates of violence and discrimination nationwide.Governor Payne expressed his support for the legislation, stating, "Everyone deserves to live their lives authentically and free from discrimination. This legislation is a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable Ohio for all of its residents."The passage of these civil rights protections has been hailed as a major victory for the LGBTQ+ community in Ohio. However, advocates stress that there is still more work to be done to ensure full equality and protections for all LGBTQ+ individuals in the state."We celebrate this victory today, but we know that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over," said Jenkins. "We will continue to push for further protections and advancements until all LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio are able to live without fear of discrimination."