Current:Home > InvestBill on school bathroom use by transgender students clears Ohio Legislature, heads to governor -BeyondWealth Learning
Bill on school bathroom use by transgender students clears Ohio Legislature, heads to governor
TradeEdge View
Date:2025-04-08 19:16:36
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio Senate on Wednesday approved a ban on transgender students using bathrooms that fit their gender identities and sent the measure to Republican Gov. Mike DeWine.
The Republican-backed bill applies to public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. It requires the schools to designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations “for the exclusive use” of either males and females, based on one’s gender assigned at or near birth, in both school buildings and facilities used for a school-sponsored event.
The legislation would not apply to school employees, emergencies or people helping young children or those with disabilities, and schools would still be able to provide single-use and family bathroom facilities.
State Sen. Jerry Cirino, a Kirtland Republican, said the bill “is about safety and security.”
The ACLU of Ohio urged the governor not to sign the measure, which it condemned as a violation of the right of privacy of LGBTQ+ Ohioans that will make them less safe.
“If allowed to go into effect, SB 104 will create unsafe environments for trans and gender non-conforming individuals of all ages,” Jocelyn Rosnick, the group’s policy director, said in a statement. “This bill ignores the material reality that transgender people endure higher rates of sexual violence and assaults, particularly while using public restrooms, than people who are not transgender.”
The Center for Christian Virtue commended legislators for passing the bill and called on DeWine to sign it. The governor has said he’s inclined to sign the bill, but will conduct a legal review first.
“Today is a huge victory for children and families in Ohio,” CCV Policy Director David Mahan said in a statement. “Amended SB104 is common-sense legislation that will guarantee the only people entering young ladies’ private spaces are female, not men claiming to be female.”
At least 11 states have adopted laws barring transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s bathrooms at public schools, and in some cases other government facilities.
The laws are in effect in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah. A judge’s order putting enforcement on hold is in place in Idaho.
Ohio House Republicans attached the measure to a proposal regarding Ohio’s college credit program for high school students before passing it in June, much to the chagrin of one of the Democratic state senators who had signed on as a co-sponsor.
Sen. Catherine Ingram, of Cincinnati, said she was taking her name off the bill.
Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio said she couldn’t believe Republican leaders prioritized the bill on their first day back following the November election.
“There should be no exception to liberty and justice for all, yet here we are telling our children that there are people who are less-than,” she said. “This bill is not about bathrooms. It’s about demonizing those who are different, and our children are watching and listening to the fearmongering.”
veryGood! (376)
Related
- Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
- Minnesota senator wanted late father’s ashes when she broke into stepmother’s home, charges say
- Poland ready to host NATO nuclear weapons, President Andrzej Duda says
- Poland ready to host NATO nuclear weapons, President Andrzej Duda says
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- FTC sues to block $8.5 billion merger of Coach and Michael Kors owners
- Texas deputy dies after being hit by truck while helping during accident
- Ritz giving away 24-karat gold bar worth $100,000 in honor of its latest 'Buttery-er' cracker
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- 71-year-old fisherman who disappeared found tangled in barbed wire with dog by his side
Ranking
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- NFL uniform power rankings: Where do new Broncos, Jets, Lions kits rank?
- 'Family Guy' actor Patrick Warburton says his parents 'hate the show'
- Study shows people check their phones 144 times a day. Here's how to detach from your device.
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- 'Family Guy' actor Patrick Warburton says his parents 'hate the show'
- Biden implied his uncle lost in WWII was eaten by cannibals. Papua New Guinea's leader pushes back.
- The Best Personalized & Unique Gifts For Teachers That Will Score an A+
Recommendation
Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
Trump to meet with senior Japanese official after court session Tuesday in hush money trial
Marvin Harrison Jr. Q&A: Ohio State WR talks NFL draft uncertainty, New Balance deal
Former MIT researcher who killed Yale graduate student sentenced to 35 years in prison
Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
US health officials warn of counterfeit Botox injections
UnitedHealth paid ransom after massive Change Healthcare cyberattack
WNBA's Kelsey Plum, NFL TE Darren Waller file for divorce after one-year of marriage