Ohio faith leaders fight against union-rights bill

COLUMBUS (AP) — Faith leaders from across the state are voicing opposition to an Ohio proposal to sharply limit the collective bargaining rights of public employees.

Representatives of Clergy United Against Senate Bill 5 marched up Broad Street in Columbus today to deliver a letter to House Speaker Bill Batchelder at the Statehouse.

Copies were also delivered to other representatives, who are seeking a compromise that can clear the 99-member Ohio House. The legislation passed the Ohio Senate 17-16.

More than 100 religious leaders of varied denominations across the state signed the decree. It called on Gov. John Kasich and state lawmakers to balance the state budget while avoiding blame and division and urged them to sit down at “the table of brotherhood” envisioned by Martin Luther King Jr.

Kasich has indicated he would sign the bill if it is approved by the House.