Antonio Statement on Court's Decision to Uphold H.B. 68

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement responding to a Franklin County judge’s decision to uphold House Bill 68, which bans gender-affirming care for minors and prohibits trans athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports:

“Judge Holbrook’s decision to uphold this discriminatory culture-war bill represents a significant step backward for our state,” said Antonio. “This law disregards the professional guidance of medical experts and the lived experiences of transgender individuals and upends parental rights while endangering the health and well-being of our youth. As I’ve stated repeatedly, Ohioans have time and again told us that they don’t want the government involved in their personal medical decisions. I believe this ruling is wrong on the merits, and it clearly defies the will of the majority of Ohioans.”