Ohio Transgender Health Ban Vetoed

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed HB 68 bill that would have banned medical care for transgender adolescents. Gov. DeWine stated, “It is the parents who know their child best.” As you know across the nation federal district courts have enjoined similar bans enacted by other states finding that they violate parents’ fundamental right to make medical decisions for their children & also unlawful discrimination against transgender people. However, both the Eleventh Circuit & the Sixth Circuit recently reversed federal district court decisions in Alabama, Tennessee, & Kentucky. Shannon Minter NCLR Legal Director concluded, “Governor DeWine’s veto marks a major turning point in what has become a tragically politicized battle. Research has shown that the public overwhelmingly believes that parents, not the government, should make medical decisions for their families. This attack on safe, effective & well-established medical care has already caused enormous anguish & harm to Ohio families, who can now breathe a sigh of relief that their children can continue to receive the healthcare they need. Governor DeWine did the right thing by listening to parents, doctors & young people & taking the time to understand the facts, rather than catering to political expedience. He has given other elected officials a powerful example of how to respond to these dangerous & harmful bills with similar courage, integrity & deliberation.” NCLR represents transgender adolescents & their parents in Alabama & Kentucky & has asked the Supreme Court to review the Sixth Circuit’s decision. Attorneys representing transgender youth & their parents in Tennessee have made a similar request.

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