State of Ohio Archives: on Civil Rights


Bernie Moreno: The Speech Police must be stopped

Speech Police must be stopped. There used to be room for conversation, humor, and debate in this country. Now, if you dare to ask questions or disagree with narratives you can be cancelled and cast off forever. Those that control speech control thought, and that's just wrong.

I'm just a guy who likes freedom and fairness. I'm not smarter or better than anyone else. I hate when the big guy picks on the little guy. The crowd has more wisdom than the experts. I treat people with respect; listen with a goal to understand. Those are my core principles, and how I will approach policy-making.

Source: 2021 Ohio Senate campaign website BernieMoreno.com Apr 19, 2021

Bernie Moreno: Glosses over company's support for LGBTQ non-discrimination

Most of the Republicans in Ohio's U.S. Senate race have made their positions relatively clear regarding LGBTQ non-discrimination bills. But when asked about the issue on the campaign trail, including in front of groups who oppose it, Bernie Moreno's answers have glossed over explaining how his car dealership group came to join a coalition supporting one such bill in Ohio after he met with the head of a major LGBTQ advocacy group.
Source: Cleveland Plain-Dealer on 2022 Ohio Senate race Dec 21, 2021

Charlie Wilson: Supports affirmative action for state agencies & colleges

Source: 1998 Ohio Legislative National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Eric Fingerhut: Affirmative action is a good outreach strategy

I support affirmative action as an outreach strategy for developing a diverse workforce and student body.
Source: Ohio Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test Nov 5, 2002

Eric Fingerhut: Recognize same-sex civil unions and marriage

Q: Should Ohio recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?

A: Yes.

Q: Should Ohio restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?

A: No.

Source: Ohio Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test Nov 5, 2002

Jane Timken: Critical race theory seeks to stoke racial flames

Instead of teaching the facts of history--good and bad--critical race theory promotes a slanted view of America through a racial and ideological lens. While we must certainly teach empathy and how we can learn and grow as a nation, critical race theory seeks to stoke racial flames by creating a state of perpetual division between neighbors, friends, and communities.

I believe America is the greatest country in the world that allows people of all race, color, and creed to achieve their own American Dream. That is the America I want to teach our children, and the America I will fight for in the United States Senate.

Source: Columbus Dispatch on 2022 Ohio Senate race May 24, 2021

JD Vance: Generals should read less about white rage, whatever that is

He lashed out at Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for defending the study of critical race theory. "I personally would like American generals to read less about 'white rage' (whatever that is) and more about 'not losing wars,'" he wrote. He railed against critical race theory, the academic term that's meant to recognize how systemic racism is inherent in American life and that the political right has turned into a signature issue.
Source: NBC News on 2022 Ohio Senate race Jul 1, 2021

JD Vance: Black Lives Matter movement destroyed many towns and cities

The Ford Foundation has $14 billion under management. They're investing in Critical Race Theory, they're investing in racial division all across our country, and they're invested in all of the progressive social causes of the moment. They are one of the
Source: Esquire magazine on 2022 Ohio Senate race Jun 4, 2021

JD Vance: OpEd: Mocked AOC for Native American phrase for non-binary

The 37-year-old bigot shared a tweet by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez about trans, two-spirit, and non-binary people, along with the caption: "I'm sorry but what the hell is two-spirit? Would love if progressives just stopped inventing words." Had J.D. bothered to simply Google "two-spirit" rather than tweet his ignorance about it, he would have quickly learned that it's not something progressives invented and is actually a term used in many Indigenous North American communities.
Source: Queerty e-zine on 2022 Ohio Senate race Sep 9, 2021

Joe Schiavoni: LGBT students are like everyone else

[Asked at a public forum about increased bullying of LGBT students, and anti-gay discrimination]: "I think with this issue, we need to put more names and faces out there to tell their stories" and remind others that members of the LGBT community are just as human, regardless of their sexual orientation, Schiavoni said in response.
Source: The Vindicator, vindy.com, on 2018 Ohio Gubernatorial race Feb 26, 2017

John Cranley: Vote to protect gender identity in law a "kumbaya moment"

Cincinnati's hate crime ordinance will be updated to include "gender identity" and "gender expression" as protected categories. Mayor John Cranley called the discussion and vote at council on Wednesday a "kumbaya moment." The change corrects language in the current hate crimes ordinance, which includes "transgender status" under the definition of "sexual orientation."
Source: WVXU on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race Aug 10, 2021

Jon Husted: Criticized for referring to COVID as the "Wuhan virus"

Oanh Loi-Powell came to the United States in 1975 as a refugee from Vietnam. She describes herself as a political independent, she voted for Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted in 2018.That's part of why she was caught so off-guard when she saw a tweet from Husted referring to the "Wuhan virus." Husted's tweet, and the ensuing defense of his use of the term to describe the coronavirus, has left many Asian Americans in Ohio feeling dismayed.
Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race Sep 1, 2021

Jon Husted: Voted to ban gay marriage prior to Supreme Court decision

In 2003-04 Ohio's General Assembly passed a bill--which then-Gov. Bob Taft signed--forbidding same-sex marriage in Ohio. Among then-General Assembly members who voted to ban same-sex marriage were future Lt. Gov. Jon Husted.
Source: The Columbus Dispatch on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race Jun 27, 2021

Joyce Beatty: Supports affirmative action in state hiring & college

Q: On Affirmative Action: should state agencies take race and sex into account when making decisions on college and university admissions?

A: Yes.

Q: On public employment?

A: Yes.

Q: On sate contracting?

A: Yes.

Source: Ohio Legislative 2000 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2000

Mary Taylor: Running-mate Nathan Estruth led anti-gay-rights campaign

Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor picked former Procter & Gamble executive Nathan Estruth to serve as her running mate. Estruth, who now runs Hamilton-based Imflux, is a longtime supporter of former Cincinnati Mayor Ken Blackwell and Republican congressional candidates.

"Nathan is a smart, savvy and accomplished leader," Blackwell told The Enquirer. "Choosing him is a game changer in the GOP primary." The official announcement came at City Gospel Mission in Cincinnati, where Estruth is a donor.

In 2006, Estruth led a group called Common Sense Ohio, which used telemarking to poll voters about conservative issues. In Montana, the automated poll asked voters whether they support judges that "push homosexual marriage and create new rights like abortion and sodomy," according to a New York Times report.

Estruth also served on the board of directors of the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian organization that the Southern Poverty Law Center called an anti-LGBT hate group.

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer on 2018 Ohio governor race Jan 29, 2018

Mary Taylor: Disallow minors to initiate gender transition without parent

Republican gubernatorial candidate Mary Taylor will lead the fight for a new law that would prevent courts from removing Ohio children from their parents so they can get hormonal therapy for a gender transition, as was ordered earlier this month for a 17 year old by a judge in Cincinnati.

"Mary Taylor and Nathan Estruth are absolutely committed to creating a firewall in the state of Ohio for parents to raise their kids with the values and education that they choose," said Estruth, Taylor's running mate.

The emotional legal dispute caught fire Feb. 16 when a Juvenile Court judge granted legal custody to the 17-year-old's grandparents, who support the gender change and will initiate hormone therapy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, which had diagnosed the teen with "gender dysphoria."

State Rep. Tom Brinkman said he will soon introduce legislation to assert parental rights. He spoke at the same press event, which featured signs reading "Hands off our kids," and "Parents have rights too."

Source: Columbus Dispatch on 2018 Ohio governor race Feb 26, 2018

Matt Dolan: For Fairness Act, against transgirls in girls' athletics

The "Ohio Fairness Act" would make it illegal for employers, landlords, schools and other kinds of public accommodations to deny their services based on a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. "Unlike the Federal Equality Act, Ohio's bill maintains critical religious freedoms including the ministerial exemption," Dolan said in a statement. "Additionally, this bill does not authorize transgender girls to compete in girls' athletics, of which I am opposed."
Source: Columbus Dispatch on 2022 Ohio Senate race Aug 19, 2021

Michael Pryce: End affirmative action programs

Q: Should the federal government end affirmative action programs?

A: Yes.

Source: Ohio Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2010

Michael Pryce: Marriage only between one man and one woman

Q: Should marriage only be between one man and one woman?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support allowing openly-gay men and women to serve in the United States military?

A: Yes.

Source: Ohio Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2010

Mike DeWine: Opposes sexual identity in anti-discrimination laws

Q: Support gay marriage?

Richard Cordray (D): Yes. "Long-term supporter."

Mike DeWine (R): No. Also opposed including sexual identity in anti-discrimination laws.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Mike Gibbons: Opposes same-sex marriage

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Comfortable with same-sex marriage"?

A: Oppose

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Ohio Senate candidate Apr 24, 2018

Nan Whaley: Presided over one of first Ohio gay marriages

Nan Whaley was proud to preside over one of the first same-sex weddings in the state after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down legislation banning the unions.
Source: Dayton Daily News on 2018 Ohio Gubernatorial race May 8, 2017

Nan Whaley: Being young & female in politics offers unique leadership

Q: You were the youngest woman ever chosen for a city commission seat. How did you navigate in an environment that was predominantly male and older?

A: I've always been in politics. The environment has always been predominantly male. However, recognizing a uniqueness can be a real value in a system like politics because you can stand out more, and it gives you more opportunity to say something that may be a little nuanced or different. This has always been the case for me. I think it's an asset rather than a liability. That's fundamental. When you are running for office or any kind of system, you have to consider the unique attributes that will help you stand out and provide a different perspective in that team or in that area.

Q: Where did that mindset come from?

A: If you are a leader, generally you like to make changes. There are some people that don't like to lead. And that's alright. I think you just have to know that about yourself--whether you like to create change or not

Source: LeanInOhio.com on 2018 Ohio governor race Oct 16, 2015

Nan Whaley: More women leaders, more diverse idea of what leadership is

In anticipation of the inauguration of Vice President-elect Kamala Harris as the first woman vice president, Whaley said she is excited to see more and more women change the face of leadership.

"There are not a lot of women mayors, or women in politics in general," Whaley said. "But if there is only one woman, then you only have one view of how a woman leader is. The more women leaders you have, then the more diverse ideas that give us for what leadership is."

Source: University of Dayton Flyer News on 2022 Ohio Governor race Feb 22, 2021

P.G. Sittenfeld: Saying "black lives matter" recognizes institutional racism

I want to say this just as clearly as I can: BLACK LIVES MATTER. In recent weeks, some politicians have said, "ALL lives matter." And when the audience responded critically, they seemed surprised and confused.

I'm sure those politicians meant well and did not intend to offend anyone. But what they failed to confront and recognize is the reality of institutional racism.

Saying "black lives matter" does not mean we think black lives matter more than anyone else's. It means we recognize that "black lives matter" as much as anyone else's--and for far too long, that hasn't been the case.

But now--in light of what's been happening with frightening frequency all around the country--acknowledging that "black lives matter" has assumed a special urgency. So while it is obviously true that all lives matter, here is another and equally obvious truth: In far too many cases, the police treat people who look like me differently than they treat people who look [black].

Source: 2016 Ohio Senate race: Center of Hope Baptist Church speech Aug 9, 2015

Richard Cordray: Long-term supporter of gay marriage

Q: Support gay marriage?

Richard Cordray (D): Yes. "Long-term supporter."

Mike DeWine (R): No. Also opposed including sexual identity in anti-discrimination laws.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Sherrod Brown: Voted against the Patriot Act because it is unpatriotic

I voted against the Patriot Act. It had a lot of good things in it, but it went too far. The Patriot Act is law now, but we've not done what we should do in Afghanistan. We've not done what we should do to protect the US. Clearly the focus has been "sta the course" in Iraq, the status quo in Iraq, and that has caused all other parts of the War on Terror-it's undermined all other parts of the War on Terror, coupled with the fact the intelligence experts are saying the war in Iraq is making us less safe.
Source: 2006 Ohio Senate Debate on NBC Meet the Press Oct 1, 2006

Steven Driehaus: No civil unions; no same-sex marriage

Q: Should Ohio include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws?

A: Yes.

Q: Should Ohio recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?

A: No.

Q: Should Ohio restrict marriage to a relationship only between a man and a woman?

A: Yes.

Source: 2000 Ohio National Political Awareness Test Nov 4, 2008

Shontel Brown: Voted in favor of federal law protecting same-sex marriage

Both Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. House voted to enshrine the right to same-sex and interracial marriages in federal law, though the bill's path forward in the Senate is unclear. From Ohio, Democrats Joyce Beatty, Shontel Brown, Marcy Kaptur and Tim Ryan voted in favor, along with Republicans Mike Carey, Anthony Gonzalez, Dave Joyce, and Michael Turner.
Source: Ohio Capital Journal on 2022 OH-11 House incumbent Apr 18, 2022

Frank LaRose: Introduced LGBTQ non-discrimination bill in state senate

State Sen. Frank LaRose, R-Copley, said a "silent majority" of the party supports LGBTQ rights. When he introduced a non-discrimination bill, many of his Republican colleagues pulled him aside to express support. But when he asked for them to cosponsor the bill, they refused. Still, he said, "I see an evolution occurring in my party--and it can't come sooner."
Source: Dayton Daily News on 2024 Ohio Senate race Jul 19, 2016

JD Vance: Enforce Court decision ending college affirmative action

On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court struck a blow against institutionally-driven racism in the United States. In Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College, the Supreme Court found [that colleges with affirmative action admissions] were impermissibly discriminating against certain applicants based exclusively on their race.

While the Court took a big step forward in eliminating racial discrimination in admissions, more work remains to be done. In his remarks in the wake of the landmark decision, President Biden proposed "a new standard, where colleges take into account the adversity a student has overcome, including racial discrimination that individuals have faced in their own lives."

We call upon the Biden administration to embrace the Court's holdings: racial discrimination [does not] have any place in schooling. The American people deserve no less than an Executive Branch committed to enforcing the law equally to all people without concern for their race.

Source: Ernst.Senate.Gov press release:for 2022 Ohio Senate race Sep 12, 2023

Bernie Moreno: 2014: Gay Games are a chance to celebrate diversity

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Ohio Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Sherrod Brown: Ban discrimination on sexual orientation & gender identity

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Ohio Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Frank LaRose: No taxpayer funds for gender transition services

Q: Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

A: Strongly Disagree.

Q: Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.

A: Strongly Agree

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Ohio Senate race Mar 19, 2024

Frank LaRose: Disagree with Critical Race Theory (CRT)

Q: EQUALITY: I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

A: Strongly Disagree

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2024 Ohio Senate race Mar 19, 2024

Matt Dolan: No reparations on basis of race; no identity politics

Q: EQUALITY: Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race?

A: Strongly Disagree

Q: Is racism a threat to domestic security in the US? Why or why not?

A: Racism and identity politics pose a threat to our domestic security because our adversaries see us as a country divided. These divides are accentuated by the extreme Left. Now, more than ever, it is important we restore American strength and the preservation of our democracy with the increasing threats from both Russia and China.

Source: AFA iVoterGuide on 2022 Ohio Senate race May 3, 2022

  • The above quotations are from State of Ohio Politicians: Archives.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Civil Rights:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026