Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has signed a new law that will ban transgender students from using multiperson bathrooms that fit their gender identities in public and private schools. The law, known as the “Protect All Students Act,” requires separate facilities for males and females based on their gender assigned at birth. The measure has sparked controversy, with Republicans supporting it for safety reasons while Democrats, teachers’ unions, and civil rights groups argue it violates the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The new law exempts certain individuals from the restrictions, such as school employees and people assisting young children or those with disabilities. It also allows schools to offer single-use or family bathrooms. Ohio is not the only state to implement such legislation, with 26 states adopting laws regarding gender-affirming care for transgender minors and at least 11 states barring transgender girls and women from using female bathrooms.
The signing of this bill adds to the national debate around transgender rights, with President-elect Donald Trump also taking a stance against transgender individuals in sports. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments about similar bans in other states, indicating a growing trend of legislation against transgender rights.
With policies related to gender issues already being queued up in other states, it is clear that the debate around transgender rights will continue to be a contentious issue in the coming years. The Ohio bathroom bill was heavily debated before finally passing, and it remains to be seen how its implementation will impact transgender students in the state.
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