Governor of Ohio Mike DeWine did his research, consulted experts, and made a wise decision, even though he was aware that traditional indignation would follow.
He stood out from other Republican leaders engaged in a culture war to win over primary poll voters with straightforward solutions to the complex problems of contemporary life when the governor vetoed House Bill 68 on December 28.
Even if parents approved of the treatment, this superfluous bill could have prevented doctors from prescribing estrogen, puberty blockers, or gender reassignment surgery before people turned 18. Not to mention that such therapies are not carried out on children in institutions like Akron Children’s and the Cleveland Clinic.
DeWine stated that parents should make these “gut-wrenching decisions” and that groups of doctors who are advising them should inform them.
We recognize how difficult it can be for some people to comprehend trans issues and the reasons behind their use of such care. DeWine had to visit children’s hospitals frequently, communicate with people, and weigh the advantages and disadvantages because of this. DeWine pledged to draft regulations banning surgery for patients under the age of 18 and finish additional research, demonstrating his understanding of some of the issues, even with his veto.
That’s the considerate demeanor that every Ohio resident deserves from their governor. As we’ve previously stated, doctors won’t provide a minor with any kind of care without the proper adult consent.
We have a lot more faith in doctors’ education and commitment than we do in politicians serving in the Ohio General Assembly.
Transgender girls and women would not have been allowed to participate in high school or college sexual sports teams under House Bill 68. In this instance, the bill provided a remedy for the rarity of the event.
Once more, officials like Lt. Gov. Jon Husted oversimplify the situation by saying, “Men cannot participate in women’s sports.” Some people may agree with that opinion for obvious reasons, but they continue to ignore the complicated problems that transitioning men face.
Even though it’s possible, there isn’t enough proof to say whether transitioning men have an advantage over women.
For instance, a scientific study that was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found evidence that four weeks of estrogen therapy does lower trans women’s hemoglobin levels to levels comparable to those of cisgender women or women who have been women since birth. The treatment also reduced levels of strength, muscle area, and lean body mass to levels above that of cisgender women in some areas after 12 to 36 months.
We acknowledge that there may be disagreements among fair people regarding the issue’s range and possible solutions. However, it’s not about the star baseball player from the men who, one day, abruptly switches teams and dominates games before receiving medical treatment.
According to us, this issue should be handled by the Ohio High School Athletic Association and NCAA, who also work to ensure fairness in all events.
We don’t anticipate many of DeWine’s fellow Republicans to back down on cultural issues as we enter the 2024 presidential election year, including efforts to overturn Ohio’s new constitutional amendment that permits abortions.
The unfortunate truth is that DeWine’s veto of House Bill 68 could be easily overridden by Republicans in both the House and Senate.
We do, however, hope that a select few lawmakers will heed the governor’s veto, conduct independent research, and refrain from pressuring Ohioans to pass House Bill 68.
This will help identify the actual problems facing our state.
