What are the Ohio state laws regarding workplace discrimination?

As a lawyer, I can provide legal advice on Ohio state laws regarding workplace discrimination. Ohio has several laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, including The Ohio Civil Rights Act, The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, The Equal Pay Act, and The Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Ohio Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination in employment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, and ancestry. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity is not expressly prohibited under Ohio law, but a city ordinance in Columbus prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity within the city limits.

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act prohibits discrimination against employees on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This includes not only outright discrimination but also retaliation against employees who request accommodations related to pregnancy and medical conditions.

The Equal Pay Act in Ohio requires employers to provide equal pay for equal work to both men and women. This law prohibits gender-based pay discrimination, including bonuses, overtime pay, and benefits.

The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in the workplace on the basis of disability. Under this law, employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities unless it imposes an undue hardship on the employer.

In Ohio, employees who have suffered discrimination can file a complaint with the Ohio Civil Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Potential limitations or exceptions for these laws may include religious exemptions for certain employers or positions and the fact that some laws may only apply to employers with a certain number of employees.

If an employee suspects they have experienced discrimination in the workplace, they should consider speaking with an experienced employment law attorney to determine the best course of action. They may also want to file a complaint with one of the above-mentioned commissions to preserve their rights under the law.