DeMora Condemns Anti-Trans Attacks

Today, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) issued a statement after the Ohio Senate voted to pass House Bill 68, which will ban critical gender-affirming health care for minors and ban transgender student-athletes from playing on sports teams that align with their gender identity, effectively banning them from school sports entirely.
 
“House Bill 68 is a disgusting piece of legislation that further targets Trans youth in Ohio,” said DeMora. “Current hospital policies ensure gender-affirming care for minors who seek it is safe, medically necessary, and appropriate. Doctors came out in full force to make that clear. OSHAA policies addressing the participation of Trans youth playing sports are working, and have received no complaints. It’s clear that this bill is targeting youth already at an increased risk of suicide and violence, and subjecting them to even more risk. Finally, it is only fitting that this incredibly invasive and disturbing bill was introduced by the creepiest member of the legislature, the person who wanted genital inspections of our youth athletes, Gary Click.”

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 reverses the equitable access for trans students 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 is discriminatory and demonstrates to Ohio's youngest citizens that not all people are treated equally. 

In addition to the more than 300 Ohioans who testified in opposition in the House, over 800 Ohioans have pleaded with the legislature to not pass this bill.
 
House Bill 68 now heads back to the Ohio House of Representatives for concurrence.