—Distanced himself from previous pro-LGBTQ and anti-discrimination positions, claiming not to have remembered meeting with Equality Ohio and signing his company on as a member of Ohio Business Competes, a business coalition formed to advocate for legislation outlawing discrimination against LGBTQ people in Ohio when it comes to housing, employment or public services. Claimed to be unfamiliar with non-discrimination bill the Ohio Fairness Act that the coalition formed to promote in the Ohio Statehouse. He supported LGBTQ rights and anti-discrimination legislation as recently as 2020, and his oldest son is gay.
—Adopted anti-LGBTQ talking points including accusing LGBTQ rights advocates of pushing a “radical” agenda of “indoctrination.”
—Criticized Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of a state bill banning essential mainstream health care for transgender youth, a veto that DeWine says came after discussion with parents and providers about how the care saves lives
—Ran an ad calling a GOP primary opponent untrustworthy because he was “left-wing” and “pro-trans.”
—Opposes The Equality Act, federal legislation to amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include comprehensive protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
—Opposes abortion rights, “no exceptions.”
—Said that “biological men can’t play women’s sports,” misgendering transgender athletes.