03/27/2026
I have some thoughts on the Ohio Drag Ban Bill, HB 249.
Let's start with the absolutely mind-blowing statement Josh Williams actually said on the House floor on Wednesday.
Let's take a moment and examine his own words.
When opponents raised the concern that his vaguely written bill would be selectively enforced against vulnerable minorities, Williams responded:
"Every statute known to man can be misappropriated by a law enforcement officer. We saw that time and time again during Jim Crow."
Read that carefully.
His opponents said: this law will be used to selectively persecute a minority.
His response was: yes, laws get selectively enforced against minorities. That's how it's always worked. See Jim Crow.
He did not invoke Jim Crow as a warning.
He cited Jim Crow Laws as legal precedent - and he's a lawyer.
Williams used Jim Crow Laws as evidence that selective enforcement of vague laws targeting vulnerable minorities is normal, acceptable, and exactly what his law enables.
That is a confession.
Wait, there's more.
In the same legislative session Wednesday, Williams told opponents that his bill does not target transgender people, and does not intend to infringe on their rights, which he respects - and then almost immediately referred to transgender people as "perverts" during the floor debate.
These statements were made hours apart. In the same room. On the same bill.
Williams insists that he doesn't disdain trans people - and then immediately lets his true colors show.
At least be honest, Josh. If you hate trans people and want to legislate based on that personal hatred - just say so.
But wait, there's still more.
Williams' own witness, testifying in support of HB 249, stated that the bill would "give us the tools to enforce laws already written."
Ohio law already makes it illegal for anyone - man, woman, drag queen, or anyone else - to be obscene or indecent in front of minors.
This has always been the law.
HB 249 does not create new child protection. It creates new discretion for law enforcement to decide who counts as obscene.
That's the whole point. Williams wants to legislate away anyone he hates or doesn't understand.
Josh Williams' own witness said so.
This is the third version of this legislation.
Williams introduced HB 245 in November 2023. It failed.
He reintroduced it in 2024. It failed again.
HB 249 is the same bill with updated packaging and shifting justifications - first about drag performances, then about trans people in locker rooms, now defended with positive references to Jim Crow Laws. Josh Williams - holding up Jim Crow Laws and saying, "yes, exactly like these ones."
Three attempts. Three years. One bill that his own supporter admitted covers ground already covered by existing law.
While Northwest Ohio families are choosing between car insurance and groceries.
While small business owners are paying staff at the expense of late utility bills.
While the people of this district need a representative focused on doing something - anything - that's genuinely for them.
Josh Williams has been focused on creating laws that already exist to punish people he doesn't understand and doesn't like to further his petty ambition.
That's not leadership.
