Friday, September 5, 2025 Dear Friends, We are reminded in 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 that “ We are afflicted in every way but not crushed,...

Chair Fowler-Arthur, Vice Chair Odioso, Ranking Member Brennan, and Members of the Committee:   My name is the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp. I serve as Executive Director of LOVEboldly and Pastor of Blue Ocean Faith Columbus. LOVEboldly is an Ohio, faith-based nonprofit working to create spaces where LGBTQIA+ people can flourish in Christianity and Blue Ocean Faith Columbus is a progressive Christian congregation. I’m submitting this testimony in my roles as a Christian pastor and

Testimony submitted to the Ohio House Education Committee by the Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp. Strong Support for House Bill 415 – The CROWN Act   Chair Fowler Arthur, Vice Chair Odioso, Ranking Member Brennan, and Members of the House Education Committee:   Thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony in strong support of House Bill 415, the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act. This legislation represents a crucial step toward dismantling discrim