Strong Opposition to HB 249– Protect Free Expression and Prioritize Actual Needs

I am writing to you as a constituent to express my strong opposition to House Bill 249. This legislation is a redundant, costly, and ideologically driven overreach that does not serve the best interests of Ohioans or the safety of our children. I urge you to vote against this bill for the following reasons: - Vague and Subjective Language: The bill includes imprecise phrasing such as "likely to affront others." This is a dangerously subjective standard. Who decides what is "affronting"? Laws should be based on objective harm, not the personal sensibilities of a specific group. This language invites selective enforcement and legal chaos. It also violates both the First Amendment and Due Process. - Redundancy of Existing Law: Ohio already has robust laws in place to protect minors from obscenity and materials that are harmful to juveniles. HB 249 solves a problem that does not exist, essentially functioning as performative legislation rather than a necessary safety measure. - Infringement on Freedom of Expression: By targeting performers based on gender expression and clothing, this bill strikes at the heart of the First Amendment. In a free society, the government should not be in the business of policing what clothing citizens choose to wear, either in the street or on stage. - Misplaced Priorities and Fiscal Waste: While the legislature spends time and taxpayer money debating drag shows, many Ohio children are suffering from food insecurity, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate healthcare. I would like to see my tax dollars and your legislative efforts focused on these tangible issues rather than targeting the performers and the LGBTQ+ community. Protecting children is a goal we all share, but that protection is best achieved by funding social services and investigating actual crimes against children—not by criminalizing story hours or artistic performances. I ask that you stand up for the constitutional rights of all Ohioans and vote NO on HB 249.