Ohio Republicans have passed an anti-drag bill, HB 249, which would ban drag and gender performances outside of adult cabaret venues or public venues where a minor may be present. The bill was co-sponsored by state Rep. Josh Williams, a Republican running for a U.S. House of Representatives, who has introduced over 100 bills in the General Assembly as he runs for a spot. Despite 108 Ohioans submitted written testimony, the Republican-dominated committee only allowed 16 to testify in person during a hearing on March 18. Over half of the 16 were Ohioans testifying for the first time at the Columbus Statehouse for their first time, taking a day off work and wages to speak out against the bill. Former Ohio State Representative Jodi Whitted (D-Madeira) called Williams' questioning questioning "truly shameful behavior that is consistent with bullying". The bill passed the Judiciary Committee on March 25 and passed the full House largely along party lines, with only Republican voting against it.