FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: MD Sitzes Email: media@equalityohio.org, md@equalityohio.org 

January 24th, 2024

Press Statement: Equality Ohio Condemns Ohio Senate’s Override of Governor’s Veto of HB 68, Affirming Commitment to Transgender Rights

Equality Ohio expresses deep disappointment over the Ohio Senate’s vote to override the Governor’s veto of HB 68, highlighting the disregard for voices opposing the bill. The organization reaffirms its commitment to advocating for transgender rights and announces a Town Hall to discuss healthcare access for transgender youth.

COLUMBUS, OHIO—Equality Ohio condemns the action of Ohio’s Senate members who voted to override the Governor’s veto of HB 68. Their vote once again ignores the voices of thousands of Ohioans, healthcare experts, and families who have vehemently opposed the harmful legislation. 

Today’s vote will have real world consequences for Ohioans, stripping access to medical care away from children and young people. Siobhan Boyd-Nelson, Co-Interim Executive Director of Equality Ohio, states, ‘Lawmakers have made it clear that they are more concerned with protecting their political aspirations than protecting children, protecting women, or tackling the numerous pressing issues Ohioans are actually facing. Ohio voters have made it unequivocally clear that the government is not welcome in our private medical decisions and not needed in our kids’ extracurricular activities. Transgender Ohioans, their families, and allies will continue to fight for our rights because Ohio is our home.’

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has consistently emphasized the importance of respecting existing medical standards of care, the knowledge of experts, and the right of Ohio families to make personal medical decisions with their healthcare providers. However, HB 68 contradicts these values, inserting big government into private, family decisions. Equality Ohio remains committed to fiercely advocating for transgender Ohioans and will be co-hosting a Town Hall with Kaleidoscope Youth Center, TransOhio, Fairness Campaign, Kentucky Health Justice Network, and the Campaign for Southern Equality on Thursday evening to discuss healthcare access for transgender young people and their families. The TransOhio emergency fund also remains open for applications and donations. 

We urge the public to stay tuned for more information on how to help protect the rights and well-being of transgender individuals in Ohio. Equality Ohio is dedicated to identifying and transforming systems and institutions to ensure that LGBTQ+ Ohioans can fully access legal and lived equality.

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Equality Ohio identifies and transforms systems and institutions so LGBTQ+ Ohioans can fully access legal and lived equality.