Vanessa Joy, a transgender woman running for Ohio's state House, was disqualified for not including her birth name on her nominating petitions, as required by state law. Joy, who was unaware of the statute, is appealing the decision and plans to challenge the law in court. The case highlights potential barriers for transgender candidates in elections and has sparked discussion about the implications of such legal requirements in the context of transgender rights and political participation.
Vanessa Joy, a transgender woman and Democratic candidate for the Ohio House, was disqualified from the ballot for not including her former name as required by a 1990s Ohio law, which she was unaware of due to its absence on the Secretary of State's website. This incident highlights potential barriers for transgender individuals seeking office, as disclosing a deadname can pose safety concerns and personal discomfort. Joy has appealed the decision and is seeking to change the law, amidst a backdrop of increasing anti-transgender legislation in various states.
Vanessa Joy, a transgender woman, was disqualified from running for the Ohio House of Representatives because she did not list her former name on her candidacy petition, as required by Ohio law for those who have changed their names within the last five years. The law does not provide exemptions for transgender individuals who have changed their names as part of their transition, unlike those who change their names due to marriage. Joy's disqualification highlights the challenges faced by transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals in political participation. This incident occurs amidst broader discussions on transgender rights in Ohio, following Governor Mike DeWine's veto of a bill restricting transition-related care for minors and transgender girls' participation in school sports. Joy has filed a petition to contest her disqualification.
Vanessa Joy, a transgender woman running for a seat in the Ohio House, was disqualified for not disclosing her former name on her candidacy petitions, as required by a rarely enforced Ohio law. Joy argues that this requirement is discriminatory and could deter other transgender individuals from seeking office. The enforcement of this law coincides with Ohio's legislative moves to restrict transgender rights, including an expected vote to override the governor's veto of a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors and restricting transgender athletes in school sports.
Republican Congressman Bill Johnson has resigned to become the president of Youngstown State University, a move that has sparked controversy due to his political views and lack of educational experience. His new role includes a significant salary and benefits, but has been met with opposition from the university community. Johnson's resignation contributes to the recent trend of GOP departures and leaves the House with a narrow Republican majority.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, vetoed a bill that would have prohibited transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming care, diverging from the legislative efforts of some GOP-led states to restrict transgender rights. The specific reasons behind his decision were not detailed in the provided text, but his action reflects a significant stance on a highly contentious issue within the political and social landscape.
