Equality Ohio supports best practice gender-affirming care and calls for allies to speak out in opposition of House Bill 454

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 15th, 2022

CONTACT: MD Sitzes, Equality Ohio

EMAIL: media@equalityohio.org

Columbus, Ohio — On Wednesday, November 16th at 10 am in room 121, HB 454, a bill that would ban gender affirming health care for minors in Ohio, will have its second opponent hearing. This will be the bill’s fifth hearing and is open to public participation, but the first opportunity for opponents from the community to speak. LGBTQ+ Ohioans and our allies have the opportunity to speak directly to Committee members about the harms of banning gender affirming care. 

“It is heinous that in 2022, when an overwhelming majority of Ohioans support equality, that bills like HB 454 are using up our tax dollars—just so some in power can elevate misinformation. Ohioans and their medical providers deserve better,” said Kathryn Poe, Public Policy and Digital Communications Manager for Equality Ohio. “We don’t need our private decisions controlled by politicians. Equality Ohio urges Chair Manchester and all Committee members to honor best medical practices and vote against HB 454. Equality Ohio will continue to fight until the work is done.” 

Ohio Native and record-holding Jeopardy champion Amy Schneider will be attending the hearing on Wednesday with representatives from Equality Ohio. “It’s so important that LGBTQ+ Ohioans and those who love them fight to protect the children whose health and safety would be endangered by this misguided legislation,” said Amy. 

Equality Ohio is urging community members to:

• Call Chair Manchester and tell her NO on HB 454 , 
• Send the Committee a Message Opposing HB 454, or 
• Call the Committee Members

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Equality Ohio identifies and transforms systems and institutions so LGBTQ+ Ohioans can fully access legal and lived equality. Equality Ohio envisions an Ohio where people are welcome, affirmed and flourishing.