Ohio state senators have approved a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth and blocked trans female students from participating in the sporting team that aligns with their gender identity.
House Bill 68 (HB 68) was amended to allow young trans people who are currently on blockers or receiving hormone treatment to continue, though others will not be able to start these treatments.
It was passed on 13 December by a vote of 24 to eight, despite strong opposition.
“If you are a trans kid in Ohio right now, know that you are seen, you are heard and I personally apologise for this,” said Democratic Senator Bill DeMora, prior to the announcement to the chamber of the bill’s progression to the Governor.
After the announcement, DeMora released a statement branding the “disgusting piece of legislation” something that “further targets trans youth in Ohio”.
He continued: “Currently hospital policies ensure gender-affirming care for minors who seek it is safe, medically necessary, and appropriate.
“Doctors came out in full force to make that clear.
“OSHAA policies addressing the participation of trans youth playing sports are working, and have received no complaints.
“It’s clear that this bill is targeting youth already at an increased risk of suicide and violence, and subjecting them to even more risk.”
— Senator Bill DeMora (@SenBillDeMora) December 13, 2023
Earlier this year, the Ohio House received more than 600 written testimonies opposing the ban, compared to just 56 letters in support, according to The Guardian.
The bill will now ascend to Ohio’s Republican Governor Mike DeWine for final approval or rejection.
In a statement released in 2021, DeWine said this “issue is best addressed outside of government, through individual sports leagues and athletic associations, including the Ohio High School Athletic Association, who can tailor policies to meet the needs of their member athletes and member institutions.”
ACLU of Ohio (American Civil Liberties Union) has since urged the politician “to remember his original opinion. Should HB 68 get to his desk, we urge @GovMikeDeWine to VETO.”
ICYMI @GovMikeDeWine previously spoke about trans sports bans, "This issue is best addressed outside of government, through leagues and athletic associations, including the @OHSAASports , who can tailor policies to meet the needs of their member athletes and member institution." https://t.co/HYdSFWLB1C
— ACLU of Ohio (@acluohio) December 13, 2023
At present, the ACLU is tracking more than 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills in the US.
Many of these laws are blocking gender-affirming care and the participation of trans athletes in sport.
“Over 100 bills attacking trans people have been introduced in state legislature since 2020,” the organisation reported.
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