Protesters gathered at the Ohio Statehouse on Jan. 24 ahead of the Ohio Senate’s vote to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of House Bill 68.
The bill restricts medical care for transgender minors, prohibiting hormone prescription and gender reassignment surgery before age 18.
It also requires parental permission for treating gender dysphoria and bans transgender girls from female sports teams in high school and college.
Despite DeWine’s veto in December, the Ohio Senate voted to override, with 24 Republicans supporting.
House Bill 68 is set to become law in 90 days, prompting concerns about legal consequences for healthcare providers and potential court challenges from opponents.
The bill’s impact on transgender individuals and athletes raises questions about verification of gender in sports, and opponents criticize it as harmful to transgender youth.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association currently allows transgender girls on female teams after one year of hormone therapy.
Amid opposition, DeWine signed an executive order banning gender transition surgery on minors in Ohio hospitals.
Another proposal aims to regulate transgender medical care, requiring providers to have a contractual relationship with specialists and undergo counseling before treatment for patients under 21.
DeWine plans to modify rules based on public comments received.
