Westerville City Council passed a comprehensive sexual orientation-gender identity special rights ordinance on Tuesday night over the objections of concerned of citizens in the community. This newly passed ordinance will allow members of the opposite sex to use the bathrooms of their choice in public venues. Faith organizations are not exempt. If they rent their facilities for wedding receptions and public functions, they could be in violation of this newly passed ordinance.

A number of people in the community were not even aware that Council was moving forward with this comprehensive special rights ordinance. Some residents questioned the timing, as the opportunity to launch a referendum effort would be difficult given the holiday calendar. Nevertheless, concerned citizens in the City of Westerville are moving forward in response to the actions by City Council.

A referendum effort that would overturn the actions of Council is being considered. If you are interested in volunteering to circulate the petition in the City of Westerville or are a concerned resident of the City of Westerville who would like to sign the referendum petition, click here, and volunteers who are organizing the effort will contact you.

OCA President Chris Long made the following statement, "The people of Westerville have several ways that they can challenge this newly passed ordinance - a referendum effort to overturn the ordinance by placing it on the ballot, a lawsuit that would challenge the new ordinance that it violates the rights of privacy, and also the local citizens could consider a charter amendment. All of these options are being considered. The Ohio Christian Alliance stands ready to provide assistance to local citizens who are concerned about this newly passed ordinance."

---