Wednesday’s Ohio Senate vote to override Governor Mike DeWine’s veto introduced regulations that restrict health care for transgender minors and forbid transgender girls from participating in female sports.
The act requires mental health professionals to obtain parental consent before diagnosing and treating gender dysphoria and forbids doctors from prescribing hormones, puberty blockers, or gender reassignment surgery before people turn 18. Additionally, it forbids transgender women and girls from participating in high school and college female sports teams.
In December, DeWine vetoed the legislation, arguing that families and their health professionals should make all decisions regarding gender transition treatment. The governor’s fellow Republicans, however, disagree and claim that the act is necessary to safeguard Ohioan children.
DeWine’s decision was overturned by a House vote earlier this month. Although critics have indicated they might take the matter to court, House Bill 68 is currently set to go into effect in 90 days.
Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville, was the lone Republican who voted against the override out of the twenty-four Republicans who supported it. In December, Manning voted against the legislation.
Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hugo, said, “You are either male or female from the moment of conception, despite what the liberals say.” No such thing as gender-affirming care exists. Something that doesn’t exist cannot be confirmed.
A recognized clinical specialty, gender-affirming care includes a variety of therapies, such as medication, therapy, and surgery, that support someone’s gender identity.
What is stated in Ohio House Bill 68?
Ohioans who are already taking estrogen or puberty blockers may continue taking them if House Bill 68 is passed as long as doctors decide that stopping the prescription may be harmful. However, the legislation’s detractors claim that because healthcare companies might be concerned about the legal repercussions, this is insufficient to maintain existing therapy.
“It’s terrifying our kids,” said Minna Zelch, who has a trans daughter who is 19 years old. “It terrifies transgender persons. ‘May I stay here?’ is a question that even transgender adults in this state are now having to ask. ‘Can I find employment abroad?'”
The president’s restrictions on transgender girls and women participating in high school and college sports make no mention of how, if it is questioned, schools would confirm an athlete’s identity. If people and their families feel that a transgender swimmer prevented them from taking advantage of an opportunity, they have the right to sue.
Transgender girls who have undergone hormone treatment for at least a year are currently eligible to join adult teams at the Ohio High School Athletic Association. Seven transgender girls were given permission by the association to participate in girls’ sports for the 2023–2024 school year. According to OHSAA, about 400,000 student-athletes compete at the high school level.
What’s coming up?
House Bill 68’s opponents have stated that they will look into dispute, which has already occurred in different states where minor gender transition care is prohibited. A law that mirrors Ohio’s new legislation was overturned by a federal judge in Arkansas, but the state is appealing the ruling.
The Human Rights Campaign’s leader, Kelley Robinson, said, “This is not the last word on this matter.” “This is actually the start of a battle to defend our children and families.”
DeWine, in the meantime, is pursuing various strategies to deal with the problem.
DeWine signed an executive order prohibiting gender transition surgery on minors in Ohio facilities and medical facilities. Additionally, his administration put forth regulations to gather information on transgender health care and control how adults and children with gender dysphoria are treated.
To treat gender dysphoria, companies under the second plan must have a “legal relationship” with an endocrinologist and psychotherapist. Additionally, they would need to draft a written, thorough care plan that would be reviewed by a medical expert. Before receiving additional therapy, patients under the age of 21 would need to go through six months of counseling.
Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said on Wednesday that “I don’t think the governor’s executive order covers much of what (House Bill) 68 is about, and it covers, frankly, a pretty huge new thing that 67 did not anticipate.”
According to DeWine, there have already been “unprecedented” public feedback and plans to change the rules as a result.
DeWine stated, “We simply want to make sure that individuals receive the counseling.” “Therefore, attempting to strike a balance while ensuring that everyone adheres to good procedures while not interfering with what individuals want to do.”
Haley BeMiller, a writer for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, serves The Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal, and 18 other partnered news organizations in Ohio.
