Ohio Judge Temporarily Blocks Bans on Gender-Affirming Care for Trans Youth

A judge in Columbus, Ohio has issued a temporary restraining order blocking a bill that would have banned gender-affirming care for transgender youth and prohibited trans students from participating in athletics on teams that align with their identity. The bill, House Bill 68, was set to prevent LGBTQ+ minors from accessing care such as hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and some mental health services, as well as prohibit trans athletes from taking part in middle and high school sports. The ACLU of Ohio, who filed the lawsuit on behalf of a transgender child and her family, is celebrating the temporary win, emphasizing the constitutional right of Ohio families to make personal healthcare decisions without government intrusion.