Ohio Senate Passes Bill Restricting Transgender Athletes and Medical Care for Minors

The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that restricts certain transgender rights for minors in the state. The bill includes provisions banning transgender minors from receiving gender-affirming care and preventing transgender girls from participating in girls' and women's sports. The bill will now go back to the House of Representatives for a second vote to approve the amendments made by the Senate before heading to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine's desk. DeWine's stance on the bill is unclear. This year, 26 bills restricting healthcare for LGBTQ+ Americans have been passed into law in 20 states, and there are currently 24 states with laws or regulations banning transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity.