Avast, ye scurvy landlubber governor o' Ohio be vetoing bill against changin' genders and trans sporty participation among lasses!
2023-12-29
Avast ye hearties! Republican Gov. Mike DeWine be hoistin' his colors, shootin' down a blasted bill that would have sent gender-reassignment treatment for wee ones to Davy Jones' locker. And to top it off, he be blockin' the fair participation of transgender athletes in women's sports in Ohio. Arrr, the winds of change be blowin', mateys!
Republican Gov. Mike DeWine of Ohio has vetoed a bill that aimed to ban gender-reassignment treatment for minors and prevent transgender women and girls from participating in female sports leagues. DeWine stated that he could not sign the bill in its current form and emphasized the potential profound consequences for children with gender dysphoria and their families. The governor visited children's hospitals and spoke with individuals on both sides of the debate before reaching his decision. Although he vetoed the bill, he acknowledged concerns raised in the legislation that he hopes to address alongside the General Assembly. DeWine mentioned implementing a ban on surgery for minors as part of gender-affirming care, increasing reporting on data for those receiving such care, and implementing measures to prevent unregulated clinics from offering inaccurate or ideological treatments. He expressed his belief in finding common ground and adopting rules to protect Ohio's children, adults, and families in this area. However, DeWine did not address the portion of the bill that sought to ban transgender women from participating in girls' and women's sports. Former NCAA Division I swimmer Riley Gaines, who had pressured DeWine, criticized the decision, calling him a "spineless coward." Laws or policies banning gender transition-related health care for minors have been passed in 22 states, but court injunctions are currently preventing their implementation in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Indiana.