Proposed Legislation Discourages Non-Essential State Travel To North Carolina

State Rep. Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) and State Rep. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) this week introduced a resolution urging all state employees and officials to refrain from engaging in non-essential official state travel to North Carolina. The resolution comes in response to the passage of the controversial bathroom access law in North Carolina that critics, and now the U.S. Department of Justice, say allows discrimination against LGBT individuals.

“This resolution sends a strong message that Buckeyes stand for fairness and equality and against irrational prescriptions for fear and intolerance,” said Boggs. “I believe all people have a fundamental and inherent right to be themselves without government intrusion and unfair barriers in everyday life.”

In March, the North Carolina state legislature passed legislation to ban transgender individuals from using the bathrooms appropriate for their gender. The bathroom ban law also prohibits cities and other political subdivisions in North Carolina from passing anti-discrimination ordinances that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals. 

“Instead of treating people fairly and equally, far-right activists are hijacking state laws to foster an environment of exclusion and rejection,” Antonio said. “Our nation was built on a belief in equal opportunity, not a foundation of fear and division that makes it harder for some Americans to find meaningful work and sustain a family.”

The House Resolution proposes that the “policies of the State of Ohio should align with the state’s values of inclusiveness and equality for all,” and it urges states employees to avoid traveling to the Tarheel state until the bathroom ban law is repealed or amended to allow towns and cities to enact local nondiscrimination laws that protect equality for LGBT individuals.

If passed, Ohio would join at least four states and numerous cities, including Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton that have already taken the initiative to introduce similar travel bans. The backlash from the private sector has been real too. North Carolina is already experiencing the detrimental economic impact of the new law with major entertainers cancelling events and prominent businesses ending plans to create jobs and expand.

This week, the United States Department of Justice informed North Carolina officials that The Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act violates the U.S. Civil Rights Act and Title IX. If the finding is upheld, the state could lose hundreds of millions in federal education funding and face federal lawsuits.

An Ohio Republican legislator has promised to file a bill similar to North Carolina’s new law.

Nickie Antonio

State Representative Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) is honored to be serving her third term in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she was elected by her collegaues as Minority Whip for the 131st General Assembly. House District 13 includes the city of Lakewood in its entirety and parts of Cleveland’s West Side including the Detroit Shoreway (Gordon Square Arts District), the Stockyards, West Boulevard, Cuddell, the Village of Linndale, and a section of Ohio City neighborhoods. Representative Antonio is a civic minded public servant who is concerned with the quality of life of those around her and has been a social justice advocate working for human rights and equality for all people for more than two decades. Antonio began her public policy service when she was elected to Lakewood City Council in 2005 and was re-elected in 2009. During her tenure on Lakewood City Council she chaired the Economic Development, Housing, and Human Services committees and served on the Public Works and Finance Committees and was the council representative for the Lakewood Hospital Board and Community Relations Boards. She brought successful strategies for economic development through proactive policies such as the first ever sidewalk dining legislation, the results of which can be seen today in the vibrant outdoor dining scene throughout the city. Ever concerned about environmental policy and practice, Antonio also shepherded through legislation to reduce toxic emissions through a reduced idling ordinance. Antonio also exercised leadership by developing opportunities for diversity appreciation and understanding and civic engagement through the Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission of which she was a founder and promoted citizen human rights by expanding protections in the existing municipal intimidation laws. She also championed the push to retain funding for senior programs and services. Antonio is an alumni of the Harvard Kennedy School Senior and Executive Leadership program for State and Local governments. The first in her family to graduate from college, Antonio holds a Master of Public Administration Degree from the Maxine Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education, also from CSU. She is a graduate of Lutheran West High School located in Rocky River, Ohio. A former Special Education teacher and non-profit Executive Director for a women’s outpatient drug/alcohol treatment program, she also served for nearly two decades as a consultant to non-profits and governmental agencies throughout Northeast Ohio and served as administrator for a multi-County HIV/AIDS regional planning group. During this same period she was an Adjunct Professor at CSU teaching courses in Women’s Studies and Public Administration policies and practice. She continues her civic involvement through membership in numerous community groups and serves in an advisory capacity for Spaces Art Gallery and on the board of the non-profit Cleveland Tenants Organization. Antonio currently serves as Ranking Member of the Health and Aging Committee. She also serves on the Finance and Appropriations Committee, Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, the Joint Medicaid Oversight Committee, and the Joint Legislative Committee for Unified Long-Term Servics and Supports. Rep. Antonio is a member of the Ohio House Democratic Women's Caucus. Because of her social justice advocacy and activity, Antonio is known as a collaborative community builder and organizer. She is an enthusiastic proponent of the arts and civic engagement as some of the best tools available to develop local and statewide viability and economic success. She is also a certified coach and advocates the benefits to the world when people are valued and encouraged to rise to their highest potential and purpose. Daughters Ariel and Stacey, both Lakewood High School graduates, have made Rep. Antonio and wife Jean Kosmac very proud as the girls engage in their post-secondary pursuits.

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Volume 12, Issue 11, Posted 4:51 PM, 05.24.2016