Ohio House Bill 161 did not carry a popular short title but is widely described as the bill “removing spousal exemptions for sexual offenses.” It removes spousal exceptions for sexual offenses such as rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, therefore eliminating the loophole that previously protected individuals from being prosecuted from sexual offenses against their spouse. This law also allows a person to testify against their spouse in prosecuting these offenses. 

Ohio House Bill 68 (2024), the Saving Ohio Adolescents from Experimentation (SAFE) Act, prohibits minors from receiving gender-affirming medical services and requires schools to maintain single-sex sports teams, thereby excluding transgender girls from participating in female sports. The bill was vetoed by Governor DeWine in December of 2023, but the veto was overridden by the House and Senate in early 2024, making it law. The law is currently blocked by a court order and is being challenged in Moe v.

Ohio House Bill 8 (2025), referred to by critics as the “Don’t Say Gay” law and the “Parents Bill of Rights” requires schools to notify parents about any instruction concerning sexuality and about disclosures regarding a student’s sexuality. Parents may request alternative class materials if they object to the subject matter.

Ohio Senate Bill 1 of 2025, the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act, prohibits state colleges and universities from mandating diversity, equity, and inclusion training, while affirming that these institutions must provide equal opportunity regardless of race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. For more information see the Ohio Department of Higher Education Senate Bill 1 Information page. 

Ohio Senate Bill 104 (2024), titled the Protect All Students Act, restricts transgender individuals’ access to school and university bathrooms by requiring facilities to be designated solely for male or female use based on biological sex. It prohibits schools from establishing multi-gendered or gender-neutral facilities and bars students of different biological sexes from sharing overnight accommodations.

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 111, known as Ohio’s Safe at Home program, protects survivors of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, rape, or sexual battery by allowing them to keep their residential addresses confidential  and out of public records. The program is administered by the Secretary of State’s office and is designed to prevent abusers from locating survivors.

Ohio Revised Code § 4112.02 prohibits unlawful discriminatory practices in employment, though exemptions exist for religious institutions with respect to hiring based on religion.

Ohio Revised Code Title 31 contains provisions on domestic relations and children. Chapter 3113 addresses neglect, abandonment, and domestic violence involving children, covering court procedures, protective services, and funding. Chapter 3109 governs child abuse prevention, custody

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2919 governs offenses against the family.

Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2907 defines and classifies sex offenses within the state’s criminal code. It encompasses crimes involving sexual conduct, contact, and solicitation, addressing both physical acts and preparatory or exploitative behavior.