In a polarizing move, Ohio’s Republican-dominated Senate has overridden GOP Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto, passing House Bill 68 to ban gender-affirming care for minors and restrict transgender women’s and girls’ participation in sports teams. The legislation prohibits gender-affirming surgeries, hormone therapies, and certain mental health care for transgender individuals under 18. Additionally, it prevents transgender girls and women from joining girls’ and women’s sports teams in both K-12 and collegiate settings.
The Senate’s 24-8 override vote, mostly along party lines, with Sen. Nathan Manning as a notable exception, is expected to see the law take effect in approximately 90 days. The House, also majority Republican, had previously voted to override the veto earlier in the month.
The controversial legislation has sparked concern among families with transgender children, who now face uncertainty over the accessibility of necessary medical care. Two-thirds of Kat Scaglione’s children are transgender, and she expresses distress over the new law, considering relocating her family out of state to ensure proper care for her 14-year-old daughter, Amity, who is already receiving mental health services.
Governor DeWine, while vetoing the legislation, signed an executive order in January banning gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 18. Critics argue that the governor’s contradictory actions have added confusion to the state’s approach to transgender issues.
During the Senate proceedings, Sen. Kristina Roegner made contentious remarks denying the existence of gender-affirming care and the gender spectrum, drawing boos and protests from LGBTQ+ advocates present. The Senate Minority Leader, Nickie J. Antonio, condemned the legislation as “bullying” and urged the Legislature to address more significant issues such as mental health and substance use disorders.
The controversial law places Ohio among the 23 states that have enacted measures restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Legal challenges are expected, given the mixed rulings in other states, including the recent striking down of a similar law in Arkansas.
Advocacy groups, including Equality Ohio, are exploring legal and legislative avenues to protect transgender residents and their families. The passing of the legislation highlights the ongoing debate over transgender rights and sets the stage for potential legal battles and public discourse in Ohio.
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