Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio signed a bill into law that prohibits transgender individuals from using bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. The new law will require students in both K-12 and college settings to use facilities that match the sex they were assigned at birth. Additionally, it bans multi-occupancy gender-neutral bathrooms and prevents transgender students from sharing overnight accommodations with peers of the same gender.
The legislation was part of Senate Bill 104, which updates a state college credit program. Supporters of the bill, such as Rep. Adam Bird and the Center for Christian Virtue, praised DeWine’s decision to sign the bill, arguing that it protects students and upholds common sense.
The law does not apply to school employees or emergency situations, and schools can still offer single-use and family facilities. Ohio now joins at least a dozen other states with similar restrictions on bathroom access for transgender individuals.
This decision comes nearly a year after DeWine vetoed legislation that targeted transgender minors and athletes, facing backlash from various groups. The American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio has filed a lawsuit challenging the bathroom law on behalf of transgender individuals and their families, with the case still ongoing.
The ACLU of Ohio is considering their next steps in response to the law, emphasizing the importance of allowing transgender individuals to access facilities that align with their gender identity. This story is ongoing and will be updated as necessary.
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