Republican Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio has signed a new law that bans transgender students from using multiperson bathrooms that align with their gender identities in public and private schools. The measure, known as the “Protect All Students Act,” requires separate facilities for males and females based on gender assigned at or near birth. It has sparked controversy, with supporters citing safety and common sense, while opponents argue it violates the privacy rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The ACLU of Ohio and other groups had lobbied for a veto, but DeWine signed the bill into law, further fueling the national debate over transgender rights. This move is part of a larger trend among Republican politicians to push back against gender-affirming care and transgender inclusion in various settings.
Ohio now joins 26 states with laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors, and at least 11 states with policies barring transgender individuals from using facilities that correspond with their gender identity. This contentious issue has also spilled over into sports competitions, with laws dictating which events transgender girls and women can participate in.
The Ohio bathroom bill, debated for 19 months, was attached to a separate piece of legislation and came into effect amidst Transgender Awareness Week. Similar bills are being proposed in other states, including Texas, where there are measures to restrict gender-affirming care and protect individuals from discrimination based on gender identity.
Overall, the new law in Ohio reflects the ongoing battle over transgender rights and highlights the conflicting views on how to best address the needs of LGBTQ+ individuals in society.
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