R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

[Editorial]

I have testified many times before the Connecticut legislature, and I can honestly say that the legislators always treated me with respect. Unfortunately, that doesn't seem to be the case for the Republicans out in Ohio.

Constituents showed up to testify against an anti-drag bill. Ohio Republicans mocked them

They took time off work, drove hours, and spoke out against Ohio’s anti-drag bill. Many left the statehouse saying that Republican lawmakers treated them with contempt rather than respect.

The Advocate

Ken Schneck

Apr 24, 2026

Kim Burroughs was not planning on testifying in front of the Ohio House Judiciary Committee on March 18.

She had a full week of depositions and legal work as an attorney at a Columbus-based law firm, and a nursery to assemble as she and her wife were soon expecting a baby.

But when Burroughs received a call from an Equality Ohio staff member asking her to submit testimony opposing HB 249, “The Enact the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act,” she knew she had to testify for her first time at the Ohio Statehouse.

[...]

But when Burroughs received a call from an Equality Ohio staff member asking her to submit testimony opposing HB 249, “The Enact the Indecent Exposure Modernization Act,” she knew she had to testify for her first time at the Ohio Statehouse.

[...]

“His behavior toward witnesses, residents of our great state of Ohio, was juvenile and condescending, refusing to acknowledge the expertise and experiences of others,” said Whitted, who was the only out LGBTQ+ House lawmaker when she served. “He instead presented as a monomaniac regarding constitutional knowledge.”

That is wrong! Very wrong! To treat a constituent that way shows a complete lack of respect. You would expect that behavior on a fifth-grade playground, not in a hearing room at the State Capitol!

Here in Connecticut, when the first gender-inclusive non-discrimination bill was introduced in 2006, it passed the Judiciary Committee 28–8. That was bipartisan support! However, by 2011, when the bill finally passed, the vote was 27–14, right down party lines. When I first started advocating for this law, if a legislator told you how they were going to vote, they told the truth. By 2011, that was no longer the case.

When the bill passed the Senate, a number of Republicans gave a "thumbs up" signal. They were personally in favor of the bill but had been ordered by their party to vote against it. Back then, I could talk to my Republican Senator and feel like they were actually listening; now, I have a MAGA Republican representative who doesn't even pretend to listen.

Although 108 Ohioans submitted written testimony, the Republican-dominated committee only allowed 16 to testify in person, imposing a three-hour limit for the hearing.

That is unheard of! I have been at the Capitol into the wee hours of the morning. During the marriage equality bill, testimony went almost around the clock!

The Republicans don't want to hear the voices of the people anymore; those voices just get in the way of the party line.

The Republicans simply have no R.E.S.P.E.C.T. for the voters!

[/Editorial]