COLUMBUS–Today, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed into law the Center for Christian Virtue-backed Senate Bill 181 to protect the religious freedom of Ohio students competing in state-sponsored sporting events.  

Sponsored by Senator Theresa Gavarone, the law was introduced after an Ohio student was disqualified from a track event because of her religious garment, which gave her no competitive advantage, or endangered her or other students.

“Students shouldn’t be forced to check their First Amendment religious freedom at the starting line” said Nilani Jawahar, CCV’s Legislative Liaison. “That means they shouldn’t be penalized for their hijab, kippah, or cross. Students have a right to free speech, especially where their expression does not result in any issues of safety, unfair advantage, lewdness, or disruption to the academic process and mission.”

“We’re grateful for Sen. Gavarone’s leadership in sponsoring this bill to protect religious freedom for all Ohio students, and for Governor Mike DeWine’s signature on this essential bill,” Jawahar said.

The law goes into effect in 90 days.

For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or info@ccv.org.

As Ohio’s largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel. 

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