Ohio Equal Rights Reacts to Ballot Board Decision

The Ohio Ballot Board split OER’s proposed amendment into two separate amendments.

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 11, 2025 // Ohio Equal Rights is disappointed with the Ohio Ballot Board’s decision Wednesday to split our amendment into two, separate amendments. 

“It is a blatant attempt by the state to pit Ohioans against each other and create unnecessary hurdles for this amendment,” said Lis Regula, Executive Co-Chair of Ohio Equal Rights. 

The Ohio Ballot Board voted along party lines that the Equality of Rights Under the Law amendment was two separate amendments. Secretary Frank LaRose reasoned that, while many Ohioans would support marriage equality, they may support the other protected classes listed in the amendment. 

“This decision goes against precedent. Protecting vs. banning gay marriage is inherently an issue of equal rights vs. discrimination. Furthermore, they are not just trying to hinder protections for LGBTQ Ohioans-this Amendment would also protect veterans, people with disabilities, people with chronic illnesses, people who have suffered addiction, and many more. It would have a significant impact on rural and low-income communities, which face huge disparities in access to services,” Regala said.

The Ballot Board’s ruling means Ohio Equal Rights would have to collect signatures for two separate amendments. This means double the work and money involved. 

“As a grassroots organization, it’s a tall order,” Regula explained. “We could also appeal the Ballot Board decision, and that would be additional time before we can make progress on protecting all Ohioans.”

Right now, the Ohio Equal Rights leadership team is in discussion with their lawyers and considering all options as it waits for the revised amendment text from the Ohio Ballot Board. 

“While we’re disappointed, we are not discouraged,” Regula said. “We expected hurdles-there have been many attacks against the citizen-led ballot initiative process in past years because it works. It gives citizens a direct voice in policy instead of relying on representatives, and that poses a real threat to those who want to deny Ohioans fair treatment.” 

Ohio Equal Rights is pushing a fundraising effort to cover the increased legal fees, printing, and research. More information can be found on their website: ohioequalrights.org.

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MEDIA CONTACT: contact@ohioequalrights.org