By Okon Ekpenyong

Three days before the start of 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine held a much-awaited press conference to announce his decision on signing or vetoing House Bill 68, also known as the SAFE Act. Ultimately, he decided not to sign the bill.

This bill aims to ban certain gender-affirming treatments and prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports. With similar legislation being passed in 23 states and federal action being taken, this issue has sparked heated debates nationwide.

”While there are rare times in the law — in other circumstances — where the State overrules the medical decisions made by the parents, I can think of no example where this is done, not only against the decision of the parents but also against the medical judgment of the treating physician and the treating team of medical experts. Therefore, I cannot sign this bill as it is currently written, and this morning, just a few moments ago, I vetoed the bill,” said Governor Mike DeWine.

To summarize, for House Bill 68 to be signed into law by Governor DeWine in Ohio, it first needed to be passed by the Republican majority in the state’s House of Representatives with a 61-27 vote. It then went on to be voted on by state senators, also controlled by a republican majority, who passed the bill with a vote of 24-8. Per many sources, this bill restricts minors from accessing puberty blockers and hormone therapies and also denies them the choice to undergo gender reassignment surgery based on their gender identity.

Riley Gaines is a former collegiate swimmer at the University of Kentucky who has become a vocal advocate against biological males competing in women’s sports. She believes that allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports is unfair and damaging to the integrity of women’s sports. Gaines was disappointed when Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed Ohio House Bill 68, which aimed to prevent transgender women and girls from participating in women’s sports in school. She felt that DeWine’s decision went against the rights of female athletes and would ultimately harm the future of women’s sports.

On the federal level, the US House of Representatives passed HR 734 in April of 2023, but it has yet to reach the US Senate floor. This bill, if passed, would also prohibit transgender athletes from participating in sports that align with their gender identity. However, current President Joe Biden has stated that he would veto the bill if it were to reach his desk. This has further fueled the divide between those in favor of and against the ban.

In light of these developments, Governor DeWine’s decision on House Bill 68 would have had significant implications for the transgender community and the sports world. Proponents of the bill argue that it is necessary to maintain fairness in sports and protect the integrity of women’s sports. On the other hand, opponents argue that the legislation is discriminatory and harmful to transgender individuals who should have the right to participate in sports like any other athlete.

This issue has highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding transgender rights and the challenges faced by the transgender community. It has also brought attention to the power and responsibility of state and federal legislators in shaping policies that affect all communities.

In response to Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio Republican State Senate President Matt Huffman said “I’m extremely disappointed by the Governor’s veto. Changes were made to the bill to accommodate his concerns, and the bill was strongly supported in the Senate by the Republican Caucus. Overrides to a veto must start in the chamber where the bill originated. We look forward to the House taking the next step.”

Also, Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) while responding to Governor Mike DeWine said “It is disappointing that the Governor vetoed House Bill 68, the SAFE Act and Save Women’s Sports.  The bill sponsors, and The House, have dedicated nearly three years to get the bill right — to empower parents and protect children. It was passed by veto-proof majorities in each chamber. We will certainly discuss as a caucus and take the appropriate next steps.”

However, state Senator Bill DeMora (D-Columbus) in a statement after Governor DeWIne said “I am glad to see that the governor has chosen to listen to the science and the people, not Republican and religious ideologues. 
“A veto was absolutely necessary in this case; H.B. 68 would have been a devastating piece of legislation that would have directly led to a loss of life. While the fight is not over, this was a huge victory for trans people all over our state and over the right to bodily autonomy overall.”

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