To amend section 2927.12 of the Revised Code to expand the offense of "ethnic intimidation" to also prohibit conduct currently specified in the offense when the conduct is committed by reason of another person's gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Section 1. That section 2927.12 of the Revised Code be amended to read as follows:

Sec. 2927.12.  (A) As used in this section:

(1) "Disability" has the same meaning as in section 4112.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Gender identity" means the gender-related identity, appearance, or mannerisms of an individual, or other gender-related characteristics of an individual, with or without regard to the individual's designated gender at birth.

(3) "Sexual orientation" means actual or perceived heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality.

(B) No person shall violate section 2903.21, 2903.22, 2909.06, or 2909.07, or division (A)(3), (4), or (5) of section 2917.21 of the Revised Code by reason of the race, color, religion, or national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability of another person or group of persons.

(B)(C) Whoever violates this section is guilty of ethnic intimidation. Ethnic intimidation is an offense of the next higher degree than the offense the commission of which is a necessary element of ethnic intimidation.

Section 2.  That existing section 2927.12 of the Revised Code is hereby repealed.