Antonio Condemns Override of House Bill 68 Veto

Today, Ohio Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) condemned the Ohio House of Representatives' decision to override Governor Mike DeWine’s veto of House Bill 68, which bans gender-affirming care for minors and effectively bans transgender youth from participating in sports.

"The Ohio House of Representatives doubled down on their commitment to jeopardizing the health and well-being of Ohio’s children today,” Antonio said. “Ohioans have consistently made it clear they do not want politicians interfering with their personal, private medical decisions, but Republicans in the General Assembly continue to ignore the will of the people in pursuit of their hateful agenda.”

"This move is a stark betrayal of Ohio voters and infringes on parents' fundamental right to make decisions in the best interest of their children. Countless individuals testified and contacted the governor to express their opposition to this bill and emphasize the need for access to evidence-based, life-saving medical care. But, right-wing legislators are more interested in further marginalizing and stigmatizing vulnerable communities to champion a platform that betrays the values of equality, ‘liberty and justice for all.’"