On Wednesday, Ohio Republicans voted to override Gov. Mike DeWine’s (R) veto on House Bill 68, marking a significant milestone in the state’s legislative history. This bill, comprising the “Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act” and the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” effectively bans transgender procedures on minors and prohibits males from competing in female sports. Following the House’s lead, the Ohio state Senate voted in favor of this override, affirming a commitment to what many conservatives see as common-sense protections for children and the integrity of women’s sports.
DeWine claimed that his opposition to the bill was rooted in his belief that it infringed on parental rights and could jeopardize lives. He emphasized the importance of parental involvement in these sensitive medical decisions, asserting that “the government knows better what is medically best for a child than the two people who love that child the most, the parents.” However, the bill’s proponents argue that such irreversible medical procedures should not be in the hands of minors, who are almost always unable to fully comprehend the long-term consequences of their decisions.
Ohio Republicans Ban Trans Procedures On Minors, Boys In Girls’ Sports In Vote Overriding GOP Governor https://t.co/TZgd5Nu727 pic.twitter.com/jby8kp8wPi
— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) January 25, 2024
The “Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act” reflects a growing concern among conservatives over the permanent and life-altering implications of transgender procedures on minors. As Republican state Sen. Kristina Roegner, a co-sponsor of the bill, pointedly noted, gender-affirming care has turned into a “profit center” for hospitals, potentially at the expense of children’s well-being. This sentiment resonates with many who believe medical establishments may prioritize financial gain over ethical considerations.
Ohio Republicans Override Governor’s Veto…🙏🏻
Bans Transgender Drugs and Surgery for Children under 18 and Blocks Trans Kids from participating in Girls' Sports https://t.co/L42tDnVo8i
— Mark Chudy (@ChudyMark) January 25, 2024
Similarly, the “Save Women’s Sports Act” addresses a contentious issue in athletics. The bill mandates that biological males are barred from competing in female sports across all education levels in the state. This move is seen as a step toward ensuring fairness and preserving the competitive integrity of women’s sports. Including males in female sports has been a hot-button issue, with critics arguing that it undermines the spirit of fair competition and negates the advancements made in women’s athletics.
While DeWine’s veto and subsequent criticism highlight a rift within the Republican Party, the overwhelming support for the bill’s override in both the House and Senate underscores a broader consensus among Ohio Republicans. This decision aligns with the views of many conservatives who advocate for traditional gender roles and norms and who believe that the state has a responsibility to protect children from making irreversible decisions that they may later regret.
The bill has sparked considerable debate, with opponents arguing that it infringes on the rights of transgender youth and restricts access to necessary medical care. However, supporters counter that the legislation is essential for safeguarding children from premature medical interventions and preserving fairness in women’s sports. The law, which will now take effect in three months, reflects a growing trend among conservative states to legislate on transgender issues to save American youth from predatory adults.
