(The Center Square) – Ohio House Democrats want Gov. Mike DeWine to veto a bill they say ignores science, creates bigotry and hurts children.
DeWine has yet to give any indication of his plans for House Bill 68. He has eight more business days to decide after the General Assembly passed the proposal on Wednesday.
In a letter penned to the governor, House Democrats said the bill runs counter to the administration’s emphasis on “fostering a nurturing and positive environment” for kids.
“If this cruel bill which ignores evidence-based science becomes law, we are further normalizing the bigotry facing the transgender and non-binary community, especially in this case of trans youth and their families,” the letter said.
The bill requires K-12 schools, state colleges and universities and private colleges and universities to have separate teams for each sex. It also creates legal remedies for violations.
It would also prohibit gender-affirming care, such as hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy and surgery for transgender youth.
In the past, DeWine has said decisions on transgender participation in sports should not be a government decision.
Opponents also say the bill deliberately targets trans youth and their families and criminalizes health care providers for giving care.
Sponsor Rep. Gary Click, R-Vickery, says the bill saves youth from harmful procedures.
“Our opponents argue from a place of eminence rather than evidence,” Click said. “In other words, it’s ‘because we said so,’ rather than because it is so. That may work when it comes from mom or dad but that is not enough when it comes from the health care industry. Ohio’s families deserve better.”
The legislation passed the Senate 24-8. Later, the House concurred 61-27 with the Senate’s amendments. One Senate Republican voted against the bill, and two GOP House representatives voted no.
