Catholic Conference of Ohio The official representative of the Catholic Church in public matters affecting the Church and the general welfare of the citizens of Ohio.

There is one statewide issue on the May 8, 2018 ballot. Issue 1 is a constitutional amendment creating a bipartisan, public process for drawing Ohio congressional Districts. A  somewhat similar amendment addressing redistricting for Ohio legislative districts passed in 2015.

As in 2015, the Catholic Conference of Ohio has taken a supportive position on this issue.

"We appreciate that this issue was well debated in the Ohio General Assembly and that it was placed on the ballot with strong bipartisan support.

Legislative districts should be fairly established, facilitate active citizen participation, assure effective accountability and accessibility to both voters and elected officials, and ensure the common good of all in society. Issue 1 provides a prudentially viable process for achieving these goals."

The Ohio Supreme Court denied a request from a Northwest Ohio abortion clinic to reconsider a ruling that backed the state's decision to deny it a license to operate.  The ruling arose from the Ohio Department of Health's determination that the Capital Care Network of Toledo clinic lacked a suitable transfer agreement. Lawmakers in 2013 enacted requirements for such transfer agreements and barred public hospitals from maintaining them with clinics. The University of Toledo Medical Center subsequently declined to renew its agreement with the clinic. ODH determined an agreement Capital Care later signed with a Michigan hospital wasn't suitable because the hospital was too far away to provide emergency treatment.

The Ohio Department of Health is encouraged to continue with proceedings to close the Capital Care Network of Toledo's abortion clinic.

Ohio Right to Life Statement

The USA Act is a compromise bill that while not perfect, is one step our country can take in the direction of protecting Dreamers now. The border security measures in the USA Act, as currently written, are reasonable and do not include the building of the Wall.

The Catholic Bishops will not continue support for the USA Act if there are substantive changes or additions in interior enforcement, eradication of protection of unaccompanied children and asylum seekers and cuts to family-based immigration. The USA Act would protect and provide Dreamers with a path to citizenship as long as they satisfy residency, age and education, military or employment requirements. Additionally, H.R. 4796 augments border security with the use of new technology; and increases staffing resources for immigration courts to carry out their work.
 

Background Information 
USCCB Letter of Support

HB 461, the Protect Trafficked Minors Act, sponsored by Representative Fedor (D - Toledo) and  Representative Galonski (D - Akron), would mirror Ohio law with federal law in cases involving the human trafficking of minors aged 16 and 17-years-old. This bill will increase the penalties for people who traffic 16 and 17-year-olds. Additionally, HB 461 will require a juvenile court to appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor child if the court has reason to believe that the crime charged is prostitution or human trafficking-related. The bill is pending in the House Criminal Justice Committee.

Conference Resources

HB 585, sponsored by Representative Henne (R - Clayton),  and SB 288 sponsored by Senator Eklund ( R - Munson Township) and Senator Kunze (R - Hilliard), are companion bills that reflect the recommendations made by Governor Kasich's responses to gun violence workgroup.  The Catholic Conference of Ohio staff participated in the workgroup.

Recommendations from the Workgroup

Catholic Bishops of Ohio Statement on the Workgroup Recommendations

The Catholic Bishops of Ohio call upon Ohio’s elected leaders to adopt prudent policies to help curb gun violence. Now is the time for action. Now is the time to promote the culture of life.

We urge open and civil discourse that will result in the enactment of bipartisan reforms. We pray that Ohio’s leaders will set aside political agendas and achieve solutions that promote the common good and safety of all people. We believe just solutions can be found that will not violate the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

We commend state leaders who are actively seeking solutions to the pressing issue of gun violence. We applaud Governor Kasich for calling together persons with differing perspectives and for his leadership in seeking points of common agreement...

Governor Kasich's Recommendations