Ohio lawmakers will consider a bill modeled after a Florida law that limits what can be taught on LGBTQ issues in schools. In this week's episode of Snollygoster, Ohio's politics podcast from WOSU, hosts Mike Thompson and Steve Brown talk about how the bill might fare in the Buckeye state. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow joins the show.
Don't say gay or parental rights?
Supporters call them "parental rights in education" bills. Detractors call them "don't say gay" bills. Whatever you call it, Rep. Jean Schmidt and Rep. Mike Loychick have introduced such a bill in the Ohio House.
The measure would prohibit teachers from instructing students on matters of sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through 3rd grade. For older grades, teachers could not teach LGBTQ issues that are not "age-appropriate."
If they violate the law, teachers and principals could lose their licenses and districts could lose their state funding.
Gibbs calls it quits
Early voting has begun as state legislative districts remain in limbo. Voters are deciding statewide and congressional primaries but one name that is on the ballot won’t serve if elected.
That’s Congressman Bob Gibbs whose district is east of Columbus and South of Cleveland. The possible interim congressional map hurt his chances for re-election. He lost more than half his voters.
He also faces a primary challenge from several candidates, most notably Max Miller. Miller has raised a lot of money, is a former Trump White House aide and he has the backing of the former president.
Snollygoster of the week
State Rep. Ron Ferguson is upset with the Ohio Supreme Court, which has rejected three sets of state legislative district maps. The Republican lawmaker blames the court for the need for a second primary election and he wants the court to pick up the tab. He has filed a bill that would cut the supreme court’s budget to cover the cost of the second primary.
Send questions and comments to snollygoster@wosu.org.