Ohio Governor Vetoes Ban on Trans Treatments for Minors

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a GOP-backed bill on Friday that would have banned transgender minors from receiving puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries.

The Details: DeWine joins former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson as the only two Republican governors to veto such legislation. The Ohio bill includes the “Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act,” relating to medical treatments, and the “Save Women's Sports Act,” which would have banned trans girls from participating in girls’ and women’s sports. The Republican-controlled Ohio General Assembly can override DeWine’s veto with a three-fifths vote.

Key Quotes: Explaining his decision, DeWine discussed conversations he had with trans people and their families, saying, “Many parents have told me that their child would not have survived, would be dead today if they had not received the treatment that they received from one of Ohio's children's hospitals.” However, he also said he supported provisions like a ban on surgeries for minors, saying, “I truly believe that we can collaborate, find common ground and adopt rules to protect Ohio children, adults and families in this area.”

How the Media Covered It: Coverage in political media matched the usual partisan divide on trans rights, with conservative outlets avoiding the term “gender-affirming care.” On the right, The Daily Caller (Right bias) called the bill a “ban on sex changes for minors” and referred to trans women as “biological males”; Fox News (Right bias) ended its article with a quote from activist swimmer Riley Gaines. On the left, NBC News (Lean Left bias) discussed the bill’s opponents in more detail than its supporters.