To amend section 2927.12 of the Revised Code to rename the offense of ethnic intimidation identity intimidation and to prohibit a person from committing identity intimidation because of the victim's ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

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

Sec. 2927.12.  (A) 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, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, identity, or disability of another person or group of persons.

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

(C) As used in this section:

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

(2) "Gender identity" means a person's actual or perceived gender-related identity, appearance, mannerisms, or other gender-related characteristics, with or without regard to the person's designated sex at birth.

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

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 That existing section 2927.12 of the Revised Code is hereby repealed.