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:
Ohio House Bill 8
Ohio House Bill 8 could lead to teachers and other school personnel having to out students to their families. It would also require schools to notify parents prior to the instruction of "sexuality content."
H. B. 8 was voted out of the Ohio House of Representatives on June 21, 2023. It now moves to the Ohio Senate, where it was assigned to the Education Committee. Contact members of the committee and tell them to vote NO on House Bill 8. |
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Ohio House Bill 245
Ohio House Bill 245 would ban drag performances in public spaces that are not adult-only, including parks, parades, libraries, theater performances and more. The bill also bans performances from those who exhibit a gender identity different from the sex they were assigned at birth, directly targeting any transgender or gender nonconforming individual in the public eye.
H.B. 245 has been introduced in the Ohio House and is assigned to the House Criminal Justice Committee. Contact members of the committee and tell him to not move this bill forward. |
Ohio House Bill 6
Ohio House Bill 6 is discriminatory legislation that would prevent transgender women and girls from competing in school sports at the high school and collegiate levels.
H.B. 6 was amended into Ohio House Bill 68, which was passed by the legislature and vetoed by Governor DeWine. The legislature overrode the veto, and H.B. 68 became law in September 2024. |
Ohio House Bill 220
Ohio House Bill 220 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.
H.B. 220 has been introduced in the Ohio House and is currently in the Ohio House Public Health Policy Committee. It has not yet had a hearing. Contact Committee Chair Rep. Scott Lipps and tell him to hold a hearing on the bill, and contact members of the committee and tell them to pass H.B. 220. |
Ohio Senate Bill 132
The Ohio Fairness Act would prohibit discrimination on the basis of one's sexual orientation or gender identity and expression. These protections would apply in housing, employment and other public accommodations.
Senate Bill 132 has been introduced in the Ohio Senate and is assigned to the Government Oversight and Reform Committee. Contact members of the committee and tell them to pass the Ohio Fairness Act. |
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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Listen to Speaking Queerly
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Join Mallory Golski (she/her), Isiah Harris (he/they), Daria Johansen (she/her) and Lane Shirrell (they/them) as they explore topics related to the LGBTQIA+ community, including current events, legislation, pop culture and intersectionality. Have a question you want answered or a topic you’d like discussed on Speaking Queerly? Email [email protected]. |
