City Council Candidate Calls For Ordinance Against Discrimination

Press release from the Laura Rodriguez-Carbone Campaign:

July 13, 2021

Last week, Governor Mike DeWine signed into law language allowing Ohio health care workers and insurance companies to deny health care services and payment based on moral, ethical, or religious objections. It codifies discrimination against all Ohioans, and in particular for women and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Our leaders have a responsibility to protect those they serve. Targeting vulnerable and marginalized communities and threatening their access to basic health care – especially during a pandemic - is an unconscionable and inhumane act that must be challenged.

The City of Lakewood has a responsibility to protect its citizens regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or religious affiliation. This is why I am calling for Lakewood City Council to pass an ordinance prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity by medical providers, hospitals, and clinics operating within our municipality, utilizing home rule as a justification for such an ordinance.

This medical refusal clause is wrong, amoral, and does not represent the inclusive future most Ohioans are trying to build for their families, friends and communities. An ordinance preventing discrimination in medical care for women, LGBTQIA+ residents, and other vulnerable populations is the right thing to do. We need to send a resounding message to Ohio lawmakers that discrimination, in any form, against any resident is not welcome in Lakewood.

Laura Rodriguez-Carbone is a public servant, community advocate, and candidate for Lakewood City Council At-Large. www.lauraforlakewood.com

This press release was produced by the Laura Rodriguez-Carbone Campaign. The views expressed here are the author's own.