Ohio Senate Overrides Gov. DeWine’s Veto, Bans Gender-Changing Services for Minors and Transgender Athletes from Women’s Sports
In a significant move, the Republican-controlled Ohio Senate has voted to override Governor Mike DeWine’s veto of a bill that prohibits gender-changing services for minors and bans transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. This decision comes after the Ohio House previously voted in favor of rescinding the governor’s veto.
The legislation, known as House Bill 68, imposes strict limitations on doctors, prohibiting them from prescribing hormones and puberty blockers for minors, as well as performing gender reassignment surgeries on individuals under the age of 18. Additionally, the bill bars transgender females from participating in high school and college sports teams that align with their gender identity.
Governor DeWine had initially vetoed the comprehensive bill last December, following its passage by wide margins in the state legislature. Instead, he issued an executive order that solely banned gender-reassignment surgery on minors. However, this action was met with opposition, leading to the recent override by the Ohio Senate.
DeWine’s stance against the bill was rooted in his belief that parents should have the autonomy to make decisions regarding their child’s healthcare, rather than the government. He also expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the legislation, emphasizing the importance of protecting human life. DeWine cited instances where children’s lives were saved due to the medical treatment they received from Ohio’s children’s hospitals. He further highlighted testimonies from adults who credit the care they received during their teenage years for preventing them from taking their own lives.
On the other hand, proponents of House Bill 68 argue that “gender-affirming care” has become a lucrative business for hospitals, which they claim are turning minors into “permanent patients.” Republican state Senator Kristina Roegner, a co-sponsor of the bill, firmly believes that there are distinct differences between men and women, boys and girls, dismissing the notion of a gender spectrum. She expressed concerns that teenagers and children lack the capacity to make life-altering decisions and that hospitals are taking advantage of vulnerable individuals.
The veto override has elicited strong reactions from both sides of the political spectrum. Democratic state Senator Bill DeMora criticized the decision, warning that the lives of transgender youth will be “destroyed” as a result. He lamented that instead of passing bipartisan bills that would genuinely benefit Ohioans, the Senate chose to target trans youth. DeMora argued that this was a missed opportunity for reflection after passing a flawed bill.
While House Bill 68 is set to become law in the spring, it includes a grandfather clause that allows physicians who are already treating transgender patients to continue doing so. This provision aims to ensure that individuals who are currently undergoing gender-affirming care can maintain their treatment.
The Ohio Senate’s decision to override Governor DeWine’s veto has sparked a heated debate surrounding transgender rights, healthcare autonomy, and the role of government in determining medical procedures for minors. As the legislation takes effect, it is expected to impact the lives of transgender individuals in Ohio significantly. The implications of this decision extend beyond the state’s borders, highlighting broader societal discussions around gender identity, healthcare access, and individual freedoms.