Main Facts:
The Ohio State Legislature voted on H.B. 68 on December 18 – a comprehensive bill that bans all forms of gender-affirming care for minors and requires public schools and private universities to prohibit transgender students from participating in individual sports teams.
DeWine said, “I cannot sign this bill as it is currently written,” and directed lawmakers to implement new rules that restrict only the most controversial aspects of healthcare for transgender individuals.
Before making the decision, the governor said he “sought the opinions of people from all sides concerned with the issue,” including doctors who provide gender-affirming care and families of transgender youth.
Main Background:
In the week following the passage of H.B. 68, Governor DeWine visited children’s hospitals in Akron, Cincinnati, and Columbus to speak with patients receiving healthcare for transgender individuals, as well as their families and doctors at these facilities, according to the associated press agency. He also spoke with doctors who oppose healthcare for transgender individuals and patients who underwent care when they were children, and DeWine said on Friday, “I agree that action should be taken regarding a number of the issues they raised.” The governor expressed his support for banning gender-affirming surgery for children under 18 and also stated that he would direct state agencies to collect comprehensive data on the effectiveness of healthcare for transgender individuals, whether they are minors or adults. He also expressed support for banning “transgender” clinics that he claims sell patients on “inadequate or even ideological treatments,” often before they receive mental health counseling. “Everyone who has had positive experiences noted that they received significant counseling and family support before even discussing the possibility of other treatments,” said DeWine. “Conversely – those who have had negative experiences said they did not receive adequate counseling.” DeWine hopes that both sides of the issue will collaborate and find common ground to establish rules that protect Ohio’s children.
Interview:
Before DeWine announced his veto on Friday, Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted expressed his support for the bill. “I support it for two main reasons: Men should not compete in women’s sports. Permanent medical decisions about gender should not be made during childhood,” Husted wrote in a post on X. Husted, who was previously a member of the Ohio Senate, Secretary of State, and Speaker of the House, formed an early campaign committee for a gubernatorial run in 2026 – after DeWine will be barred from seeking re-election due to term limits. Ohio has not seen a Democratic governor since former Governor Ted Strickland lost his bid for re-election in 2011.
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