DeMora Applauds Veto of Disgraceful H.B. 68

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) issued a statement after Governor DeWine vetoed House Bill 68, which would have banned critical gender-affirming health care for minors and banned transgender student-athletes from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity, effectively banning them from school sports entirely.
 
 “I am glad to see that the governor has chosen to listen to the science and the people, not Republican and religious ideologues,” said DeMora. “A veto was absolutely necessary in this case; H.B. 68 would have been a devastating piece of legislation that would have directly led to a loss of life. While the fight is not over, this was a huge victory for trans people all over our state and over the right to bodily autonomy overall.”

Banning gender-affirming care strips rights away from parents who, in coordination with health care providers, make informed decisions that support their children and let them live as their authentic selves. Gender-affirming care is safe, effective, and supported by every major medical and mental health association.

The bill also targeted just six young girls who played sports last year, reversing the equitable access established through Ohio High School Athletic Association and NCAA policies that have been in place for years. Denying this type of youth development to only some students would have been discriminatory and demonstrated to Ohio’s youngest citizens that not all people are treated equally.