GLSEN Applauds Ohio Governor DeWine for Vetoing Proposed Ban on Trans Care

GLSEN Applauds Ohio Governor DeWine for Vetoing Proposed Ban on Trans Care and Sports

FRIDAY, DEC 29 - In a significant move that prevents new restrictions on the rights of transgender youth, Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio vetoed proposed legislation (House Bill 68) that would prohibit transgender students from playing on sports teams consistent with their gender identity and ban access to gender affirming care in the state.

Governor DeWine’s veto makes him the third Republican governor in the country to veto a ban on transgender students participating in sports (after Govs. Spencer Cox of Utah and Eric Holcomb of Indiana) and the second Republican governor in the country to ever veto a ban on gender affirming care (after Gov. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas).

During the legislative proceedings, hundreds of advocates voiced their opposition to the bill, providing testimony and actively reaching out to Governor DeWine's office, urging him to veto the legislation. Among these voices were transgender youth in Ohio and their families, children's hospitals and nationally recognized organizations like GLSEN.

The following statement is from GLSEN’s Executive Director, Melanie Willingham-Jaggers (they/she):

"Governor DeWine's veto underscores the imperative to protect transgender youth. The decision affirms the fundamental principle that all students should be able to engage in school sports alongside their peers and have access to essential life-saving healthcare. State legislatures should not be in the business of banning trans youth from being who they are. For too long, state and local leaders have made decisions about trans youth without listening to trans youth. Governor DeWine’s decision to veto after hearing from trans youth and their families shows that our voices and experiences matter. Together, we can create a future where every child not only survives but thrives, feeling fully embraced and supported.”