Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoes bill that would’ve banned gender-affirming care for trans youth

Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has vetoed legislation that would have prohibited transgender youth from accessing gender-affirming care. His veto shoots down the controversial bill, which would also stop middle and high school trans students from participating in athletics with cisgender peers.

He announced the decision in a press conference Friday morning, the last day that he was allowed to veto it.

DeWine said he listened to the bill’s sponsor and also listened to physicians at the five children’s hospitals in Ohio. He said he listened to families of youth, some who had negative experiences and detransitioned, and those who said gender-affirming treatment saved their child’s life.

“They told me their child is alive only because they received care,” he said, adding that he thinks people on both sides truly believe they are trying to protect youth.

While the law would impact only a very small number of children, the consequences of the bill would be profound, he said.

“Ultimately, I believe this is about protecting human life,” he said. Both parents of trans kids and adults who received care told him that the care saved their lives.