COLUMBUS, Ohio — Equality Ohio released the following statement regarding news that Gov. DeWine has signed HB 8, a harmful bill with language similar to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The bill goes even further than its Floridian twin by mandating students be reported to their parents if any school administrator perceives that a student may be questioning their gender, even in cases where the student is at risk of being abused.

“HB 8 had bipartisan opposition in the state legislature because it did nothing to create a school that welcomes LGBTQ+ Ohio students as they are, and did nothing to support teachers in creating a safe learning environment,” said Equality Ohio Executive Director Dwayne Steward. “It’s deeply disappointing that Gov. DeWine has signed HB 8 when it was opposed by educators and the LGBTQ+ community alike because it punishes teachers and staff for supporting LGBTQ+ students who are already targets of bullying and harassment. We will continue to fight for an Ohio that makes all students feel safe and secure in their schools.”

During the lame duck session, Equality Ohio helped to mobilize thousands of residents to make their voices heard and oppose HB 8. Equality Ohio also testified against HB 8 in the legislature and submitted a letter to Gov. DeWine requesting that he veto the bill. 

Background

• According to The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People:
  • Roughly 1 in 3 LGBTQ young people said their mental health was poor most of the time or always due to anti-LGBTQ policies and legislation.
  • While only 38% of LGBTQ young people found their home to be LGBTQ-affirming, 54% found their school to be affirming.
  • Many LGBTQ young people enrolled in school reported being verbally harassed because people thought they were LGBTQ (53%); not being allowed to dress in the way that fits their gender identity or expression (32%); being disciplined for fighting back against bullies (25%); and experiencing unwanted sexual contact because people thought they were LGBTQ (20%).
  • Only 37% of transgender and nonbinary young people reported having a gender-neutral bathroom at their school, and those who had access reported lower rates (15%) of attempting suicide in the past year compared to those who did not (21%). 

Jan. 8, 2025

For additional information please contact: MD Sitzes | Communications Manager | Equality Ohio  

Email: media@equalityohio.org  

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