Republican Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio vetoed a bill that would have prohibited gender-affirming care for transgender children, an unusual move echoing similar repeals by Governors Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas and Spencer Cox of Utah against anti-transgender legislation in their states. According to DeWine’s veto, the bill must now return to the Ohio legislature, where it requires a three-fifths majority vote to override it and become law without the governor’s consent.
DeWine stated, “Children have looked me in the eye and told me that their child might have died if not for this care.” He added that trans children have told him they are thriving because of their transition. He emphasized the tough journey these young people and their families face and the importance of parental choice in such decisions, stating, “Parents should make these heart-wrenching decisions, and the team of doctors who are advising them should inform them.”
DeWine’s veto followed weeks of research and discussions with various stakeholders, including parents and directors and physicians from Ohio Children’s Hospitals, which are nationally ranked. “I cannot sign this bill as it is currently written,” he concluded, announcing his veto.
House Bill 68, sponsored by right-wing pastor Rep. Gary Click, combines gender-affirming care restrictions and anti-sports restrictions. The bill would outlaw gender-affirming care for transgender minors and bar them from participating in certain high school and college sports. Ohio would become the 22nd state to directly prohibit gender-affirming care for minors if the bill passes.
The bill faced strong opposition in the state. Democratic senator Paula Hicks-Hudson noted that for every 43 supporters who testified, there were 525 opponents. Despite opposition from health organizations and community activists, Republicans listened to traditional bill supporters who argued against transgender people’s rights.
This veto is crucial as it provides transgender youth in Ohio more time to access healthcare and allows for more pressure on Republican lawmakers. Governor DeWine’s veto might influence the bill’s reconsideration, given his influence in the state’s Republican Party.
DeWine’s veto statement had some limitations. He declared his intention to use administrative procedures to forbid surgeries in the state and gather information on transgender care for both children and adults. The specifics of these administrative procedures and rules have not yet been established.
The bill’s return to the legislature gives a brief respite to families of transgender youth. Republicans now face a critical decision: prioritize Ohioans’ well-being and follow best health practices or succumb to conservative figures promoting harmful policies for political gain.
This article was republished with permission from Erin In The Morning.
