Ohio’s Republican Governor, Mike DeWine, vetoed legislation on Friday that sought to ban gender-affirming care for minors, diverging from his party’s stance. This bill also included a provision to bar transgender athletes from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. DeWine’s decision comes with a parallel plan to administratively prohibit transgender surgeries for individuals under 18 and introduce better regulation and tracking of gender-affirming treatments for all ages.
In a press conference, DeWine stated his position stemmed from the belief that such sensitive decisions should be left to parents and medical professionals, not the government. He emphasized his approach as “pro-life,” considering the well-being and lives of transgender youth. This move attracted criticism from conservatives, with calls for a legislative veto override.
The governor’s veto was praised by LGBTQ+ rights groups and the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Ohio chapter, viewing it as a victory for vulnerable youth. Families like the Burkles, who have a transgender child, expressed relief but acknowledged ongoing challenges for the transgender community.
Despite the veto, DeWine has instructed state agencies to restrict gender-affirming surgeries to adults and monitor treatments more closely to avoid deceptive practices. He distinguished his stance from his views on abortion, citing his belief in protecting human life, including the lives of transgender children.
The vetoed bill would have banned not only gender reassignment surgeries but also puberty blockers and hormone therapies for minors in Ohio.
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