Ohio Legislature Enacts Sweeping Restrictions on Transgender Youth's Medical Care and Athletics

Ohio lawmakers have passed a bill that would ban LGBTQ+ youth from accessing gender-affirming care and participating in school sports. The bill prohibits gender-affirming procedures, hormone therapy, and mental health services for trans and nonbinary youth, with healthcare professionals facing potential license revocation and lawsuits for providing such care. Medicaid would also not cover gender-affirming procedures for minors. The bill, introduced by state Rep. Gary Click, has been criticized for relying on questionable research and testimonies. LGBTQ+ advocates argue that the bill would harm trans children and infringe on parental rights. The bill also includes provisions for separate single-sex teams in athletics and the opportunity for legal action against schools and organizations. Governor Mike DeWine's stance on the bill remains uncertain.