Anthony Shoemaker,Haley BeMillerCincinnati Enquirer
Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday vetoed legislation that would have restricted the medical care of transgender minors and banned transgender girls from female sports.
House Bill 68 would have prevented doctors from prescribing hormones, puberty blockers or gender reassignment surgery before patients turn 18. It also would have prohibited transgender girls and women from playing on female sports teams in high school and college.
"Ultimately, I believe this is about protecting human life," DeWine said Friday. "Many parents have told me that their child would be dead today if they had not received the treatment they received from an Ohio children’s hospital. I have also been told, by those who are now grown adults, that but for thiscare, they would have taken their life when they were teenagers."
More: Gov. DeWine vetoes House Bill 68 on transgender medical care, sports
Lawmakers and organizations were fast to respond to the governor's veto on Friday. Here's some of the reaction from press releases and social media posts:
Senate President Matt Huffman
"I'm extremely disappointed by the Governor's veto. Changes were made to the bill to accommodate his concerns, and the bill was strongly supported in the Senate by the Republican Caucus. Overrides to a veto must start in the chamber where the bill originated. We look forward to the House taking the next step."
Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens
“It is disappointing that the Governor vetoed House Bill 68, the SAFE Act and Save Women’s Sports. The bill sponsors, and The House, have dedicated nearly three years to get the bill right — to empower parents and protect children. It was passed by veto-proof majorities in each chamber. We will certainly discuss as a caucus and take the appropriate next steps.”
House Minority Leader Allison Russo, D-Upper Arlington
“I appreciate that Governor DeWine took his time to listen to the individuals most impacted by this discriminatory legislation and to understand the fact-based science on this issue. It sends a much needed message of support to Ohio's LGBTQ+ youth that they and their families are seen and heard and deserve the fundamental freedom like everyone else to feel safe in their own communities and to maintain their rights as parents to make medical decisions that are best for their children."
Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson
“Ohio families don’t want politicians meddling in decisions that should be between parents, their kids and their doctors. Instead, parents, schools and doctors should all do everything they can to make all youth, including transgender youth, feel loved and accepted, and politicians should not be making it harder for them to do so. Thank you to Gov. DeWine for listening to the people of his state and making the right decision for young trans Ohioans.”
Terry Schilling, president of American Principles Project
“Today’s decision by Gov. DeWine is useful for one thing: it shows he is not a capable leader for our times. Ohio families deserve far better, and if DeWine is unable to find the backbone to protect them, he should step aside in favor of someone who will.”
Katie Paris, founder of Red Wine and Blue
"Gov. DeWine took the very mainstream position that parents should be able to decide what’s best for their families with their kids. This is what we mean by the freedom to parent. The rest of the GOP needs to wake up."
Red Wine and Blue is an Ohio-based group aimed at turning out votes from progressive, suburban women.
Republican Ohio U.S. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno
"Allowing young kids to get sex change surgeries and be subjected to experimental drugs like puberty blockers that can sterilize them for the rest of their lives is child abuse," Moreno said. "And allowing men to compete against women is not only wrong and unfair, but lacks basic common sense.I'm calling on the Ohio Legislature to immediately override this veto and protect Ohio's children."
Republican Ohio U.S. Senate candidate Secretary of State Frank LaRose
"I am disappointed that Governor DeWine vetoed HB68. This is very simple. We have a duty to protect safety and fair competition for female athletes and to protect children from being subjected to permanent life-altering medical procedures before the age of 18. The state legislature should do the right thing and override this veto!"
Stonewall Columbus ExecutiveDirector Densil Porteous
"We applauded the Governor for his decision, which reflected thoughtful consideration of diverse perspectives, especially those of parents and healthcare professionals.
House Bill 68 proposed restrictions on vital gender-affirming care, an essential service that is often lifesaving for transgender individuals. Governor DeWine rightly recognized that such personal health decisions should not be legislated by the state but should remain with those who understand and love the children most—their families and doctors."
State Rep. Derek Merrin, R-Monclova
"I strongly support vote to override the Governor’s veto of HB 68. House Republicans have the necessary votes to override in the House. We should do it at our first session in January. We must protect minors from permanent, life-altering surgeries & defend women’s sports."
Equality Ohio Public Policy Director Maria Bruno
"There are many harmful bills still sitting in statehouse committees, and the most zealous proponents of this bill have shown a big propensity for vengefulness. We will be ready for the next battle, including but not limited to preventing a veto-override. But today, we celebrate."
Center for Christian Virtue President Aaron Baer
“Mike DeWine has failed Ohio, and it’s our children who are going to pay the price. If the General Assembly does not override his veto, when welook back a generation from now at the thousands of kids who have been sterilized and harmed by dangerous and experimental transgender medical procedures, we will realize that those in power did nothing to stop it.”
State Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson
"I'm disappointed that the Governor chose not to protect girls across the State of Ohio by vetoing HB68. I certainly hope that the House and Senate will overturn his decision."Roegner chaired the Senate hearings for House Bill 68.
State Rep. Rich Brown, D-Canal Winchester
"Thank you to Governor DeWine for his decision to veto HB 68. I applaud his willingness to listen to medical professionals & Ohioans in order to make an informed decision which will best protect our transgender youth."
