An Update on Access to Gender-Affirming Care in Ohio
On August 6, 2024, the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas rejected the ACLU of Ohio's challenge to House Bill 68. This means that the law, which bans gender-affirming care for transgender minors and prevents transgender women and girls from playing school sports at the K-12 and college levels in Ohio, took immediate effect.
The ACLU of Ohio filed an appeal in the Tenth District Court of Appeals. Oral arguments took place September 11, 2024, and we are awaiting a decision from the appellate court.
The ACLU of Ohio filed an appeal in the Tenth District Court of Appeals. Oral arguments took place September 11, 2024, and we are awaiting a decision from the appellate court.
Legislation We're Watching
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Senate Bill 71Ohio Senate Bill 71 would prohibit certain health care professionals, including physicians, psychologists and mental health counselors, from subjecting minors to conversion therapy. Conversion therapy is the forceful and disproven practice of seeking to change one's sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.
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Want to testify?
Anyone, even those who aren't old enough to register to vote, can submit written testimony or testify in-person on a bill.
Regardless of which method you choose, here's what you need to know:
Please note: Both written and in-person testimony is considered a public record, meaning your name and remarks are available for anyone to read. If you're a young person interested in testifying but don't want your name attached for safety or privacy reasons, email [email protected] to have your comments included anonymously in future KYC testimony.
- Written testimony consists of remarks that you submit that show up on the website and that legislators can read on their own time.
- In-person testimony consists of remarks that you deliver as a speech in front of the committee during a scheduled hearing.
Regardless of which method you choose, here's what you need to know:
- In-person testimony is generally limited to five minutes, while written testimony can be any length.
- You'll have to include a completed witness form, saved as a PDF. You can find the form here.
- You don't have to use your legal name when submitting testimony! Preferred names (and even pseudonyms) are just fine. Also, feel free to use KYC's address (603 E. Town Street Columbus, OH 43215) if you don't feel comfortable using your own.
- Email your testimony and witness form to the chair of the committee. You can find that contact information at www.ohiohouse.gov/committees or www.ohiosenate.gov/committees.
- IMPORTANT: Testimony is due 24 hours before the scheduled start of the committee hearing.
Please note: Both written and in-person testimony is considered a public record, meaning your name and remarks are available for anyone to read. If you're a young person interested in testifying but don't want your name attached for safety or privacy reasons, email [email protected] to have your comments included anonymously in future KYC testimony.
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