COLUMBUS, Ohio — On Wednesday, the Ohio Senate passed a controversial bill that prohibits transgender students from using restrooms that align with their gender identity, forwarding the legislation to Governor Mike DeWine for consideration.
Supported by Republican lawmakers, this measure targets public K-12 schools and higher education institutions. It mandates that these schools establish distinct facilities such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations specifically designated for either males or females, determined by the gender assigned at birth. This requirement applies to all school buildings and areas utilized for school-sponsored activities.
However, the legislation makes clear that it does not extend to school staff, emergency situations, or individuals assisting young children or those with disabilities. Additionally, schools will still have the option to offer single-use and family restrooms.
State Senator Jerry Cirino, a Republican from Kirtland, voiced support for the bill, stating that it serves a purpose of ensuring safety and security.
In opposition, the ACLU of Ohio has called on the governor to reject the proposed law, decrying it as an infringement on the privacy rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in Ohio and asserting that it would lead to increased risks for their safety.
Jocelyn Rosnick, policy director for the ACLU of Ohio, emphasized in a statement, “If allowed to become law, SB 104 will foster unsafe environments for transgender and gender non-conforming people of all ages. This legislation overlooks the fact that transgender individuals face significantly higher risks of sexual violence and assault, especially in public restroom settings.”
On the other hand, the Center for Christian Virtue expressed its approval of the legislative action, urging Governor DeWine to sign the bill into law. Although the governor has shown a tendency to agree with the bill, he plans to conduct a legal analysis before making a final decision.
David Mahan, policy director at CCV, declared, “Today marks a monumental victory for children and families across Ohio. The revised SB 104 is a commonsense law that ensures that only females will have access to private areas designated for young women, excluding men who claim to be female.”
Currently, at least 11 states across the U.S. have enacted laws preventing transgender girls and women from accessing bathrooms designated for females in public educational institutions and, in some cases, other government buildings.
These laws are actively applied in states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah, with an ongoing judicial order suspending enforcement in Idaho.
The Ohio House Republicans attached this bathroom bill to a proposal concerning the state’s college credit program for high schoolers during its passage in June, which upset some Democratic legislators, including state Senator Catherine Ingram from Cincinnati, who subsequently withdrew her name in protest.
Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio expressed disbelief over the Republican leadership prioritizing this bill immediately after returning from the November elections.
She remarked, “There should be no exceptions when it comes to liberty and justice for everyone. Yet, here we are telling our children that some people are inferior. This bill transcends the issue of bathrooms; it’s about marginalizing those who differ from the majority, and our children are observing and absorbing this fear-mongering.”