By: Adam Beam 1/24/2024
In a controversial decision, the state of Ohio has officially banned gender-affirming care for minors and has placed new restrictions on transgender women and girls competing in sports based on their preferred gender. This decision was made despite a veto by the governor earlier this year.
Ohio's Senate, which holds a Republican majority, voted Wednesday to override the veto put in place by Republican Governor Mike DeWine. The House had also voted to override the decision earlier in the month.
With this vote, the laws will ban gender-affirming care, including surgeries, hormone therapy, and mental health care, for any transgender individuals under the age of 18. The laws will also impact athletics from kindergarten all the way up to the collegiate level.
The laws are expected to be in effect beginning in 90 days, according to The Associated Press.
Ohio is now the 23rd state in the country to ban gender-affirming care and institute laws preventing medical care for transgender youths. It should be noted, however, that several of those states are facing lawsuits for violating the rights of transgender individuals.
List of states so far:
Arkansas
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
West Virginia