Ohio Governor Signs Bill to Restrict Bathroom Use for Transgender Students

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, a Republican, signed a bill Wednesday to restrict transgender students from using multiperson bathrooms that match their gender identities.

The “Protect All Students Act” requires Ohio K-12 public and private schools and colleges and universities to designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations “for the exclusive use” of either males and females, based on one’s gender assigned at or near birth, in school buildings and other facilities used for school-sponsored events.

There are some people who are exempt from the new restrictions—school employees and people assisting young children or someone with a disability. There is also an exemption for emergency situations. Schools can still offer single-use and family bathrooms.

The law will take effect in 90 days. It is unclear how this new law will be implemented given that the bill contains no enforcement mechanism.

Protect All Students Act Is ‘Common Sense’

Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue—Ohio’s largest Christian public policy organization, which backed the bill—said in a statement, “Common sense is on a winning streak in America today.”

“No student should be forced to go into the bathroom or locker room with a student of the opposite sex, and Ohio’s kids are better protected now because of Governor DeWine’s decision to sign this bill,” Baer said.

Republican Ohio state Senator Jerry Cirino, who sponsored the bill, said, “It revolves around safety, security, and, I think, common sense. It protects our children and grandchildren in private spaces where they are most vulnerable.”

DeWine has yet to release a statement about the signing of the bill. Newsweek reached out to DeWine’s office via online form for comment late Wednesday morning.

Transgender Bathroom Bill Sparks Backlash

The “Protect All Students Act” is a controversial piece of legislation with Democrats, teachers’ unions and civil rights groups raising objections to it.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Ohio was among the groups that had lobbied DeWine to veto the bill. The nonprofit condemned the bill as a violation of the right to privacy of LGBTQ+ Ohioans that will put their safety at risk.

Jocelyn Rosnick, Policy Director for the ACLU of Ohio, condemned the passage of the bill by the GOP-led Legislature on November 13, saying, “We are incredibly disheartened by the Ohio General Assembly’s continuous attacks against transgender and gender non-conforming individuals across Ohio.”

How Many States Have Transgender Bans?

At least 11 states have signed laws banning transgender girls and women from using public school bathrooms that align with their gender identity.

Meanwhile, at least 24 states have laws that say which sports competitions transgender girls and women can join.

Twenty-six states have laws or policies banning or restricting gender-affirming care for minors.

DeWine did veto an Ohio measure that bans gender-affirming care for minors and bars transgender girls and women from participating in girls and women’s sports competitions, but the Legislature overrode his veto and the law took effect in August.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.