This is where I grew up.
Edited to add comments: Notice how the author refers to "preference" and "life-style". Those are the points of the author and not the Mr. Hite, though he does not correct the author on those points. It's really amazing to see stuff written like this
http://www.kentontimes.com/localnews.html#Hite
By DAN ROBINSON
Times staff writer
COLUMBUS - Tuesday's vote in the Ohio General Assembly was the most difficult cast by Rep. Cliff Hite since taking office, he said.
The Findlay Republican, whose district includes Hardin County, voted for House Bill 176, which would make it illegal for people in Ohio to be discriminated against due to their sexual preference.
While the proposed law addressed only discrimination in housing and the workplace, said Hite, opponents had expressed concern it would extend rights to gay marriages. There was also rumors the bill would require employers to hire a quota of gays or use affirmative action when hiring based on lifestyles.
That was never the case, said Hite.
"When this was brought to the House State Government Committee, on which I serve, I was shocked to find in today's world in Ohio, someone can be fired from their job simply because they were gay," said Hite. "That got the attention of the old government teacher in me. I taught my students for 30 years to respect all people and discrimination was wrong. My position on this was consistent with those tenets."
But the residents in his district were divided. While he received more support for the bill, there were some who were vocal in their opposition to the legislation, said Hite. He met with groups and individuals to discuss the bill.
"I have discussed this with a lot of people," he said. "Some respectfully disagreed with me. Some disrespectfully disagreed and some people agreed. The bottom line was, this was a huge decision. There were mixed feelings, but I will just not be a party to discrimination. A decision of this type was way past due."