The Ohio State Senate has passed a controversial bill aimed at restricting transgender students’ access to restrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations that align with their gender identity. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 104 or the Protect All Students Act, was approved on a party-line vote of 24-7.
It now awaits the signature of Republican Governor Mike DeWine to become law. While DeWine has expressed his inclination to sign the bill, he plans to conduct a legal review before making a final decision.
The bill applies to both public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. It mandates that schools designate separate facilities for males and females based on their gender assigned at or near birth, including restrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations used during school events.
Supporters of the bill, including state Sen. Jerry Cirino, argue that it is necessary for safety and security. Cirino emphasized that the bill protects students in vulnerable spaces, ensuring that only individuals of the same gender enter private areas. However, the bill has drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ rights groups.
The ACLU of Ohio condemned it as a violation of privacy rights for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals, expressing concern that it would make these students less safe. Jocelyn Rosnick, policy director for the ACLU of Ohio, stated that the bill represents a “cruel invasion” of privacy and could lead to the unnecessary disclosure of personal information.
The ACLU has called on Governor DeWine to veto the bill and is considering its next steps.
The Center for Christian Virtue, a conservative advocacy organization, praised the bill’s passage, urging Governor DeWine to sign it into law. David Mahan, policy director for the group, referred to it as a “huge victory” for Ohio families, stating that it ensures only women, not men who identify as women, can access female-only spaces.
This bill is part of a broader national debate on the rights of transgender individuals, particularly concerning bathroom access and participation in sports. At least 11 states have enacted similar laws restricting transgender girls and women from using female-designated restrooms in public schools and government buildings.
States like Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah have all adopted such measures, while enforcement in Idaho is currently paused due to a court order.
Governor DeWine now has 10 days to decide whether to sign or veto the bill. If signed, it will add Ohio to the growing list of states that have taken legislative action on transgender rights in education.
