A bill in Ohio banning transgender students from using bathrooms that match their gender identity passed on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and is now up to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to sign into law. Dewine said he’s leaning toward signing the bill but will be conducting a legal review first.
The Republican proposal would be implemented at K-12 public schools and institutions of higher learning in the state.
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The legislation mandates schools provide separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations for “exclusive” use of either males or females based on the gender assigned at or near birth.
The potential law would apply to both school buildings and facilities used for school-sponsored events.
However, school employees would be exempt from the ban. There are also exceptions for emergencies, people helping younger kids or individuals with disabilities, and single-use family restrooms would still be allowed.
Republicans hailed the bill as providing safety and security for children. The Center for Christian Values urged DeWine to sign the legislation and called it a “huge victory for children and families in Ohio.”
However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) condemned the legislation as an attack on transgender Americans. The group said it’s weighing its next steps, saying that if the bill becomes law, it will create a dangerous environment for trans and non-binary people.
At least 11 states have adopted similar rules for restrooms in schools.
