Ohio Senate Approves Transgender Bathroom Ban in Schools

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The Ohio Senate has passed a bill that would restrict transgender students from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identities. The Senate is sending the measure off to Governor Mike DeWine which would take effect in Ohio public K-12 schools and higher education institutions.

Under the bill, schools must designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms, and overnight accommodations for male and female students based on gender assigned at birth.

While the legislation excludes school employees, emergency situations, and individuals assisting young children or people with disabilities, it does allow schools to offer single-use and family bathrooms as alternatives. Republican State Senator Jerry Cirino mentioned “safety and security” as the bill’s primary purpose.

The ACLU of Ohio disapproves of the bill, calling it a violation of privacy that could compromise safety for LGBTQ+ individuals.

“This bill ignores the material reality that transgender people endure higher rates of sexual violence and assaults,” said Jocelyn Rosnick, policy director for the ACLU of Ohio.

However, the Center for Christian Virtue praised the bill and urged DeWine to approve it. The Governor says this is a decision he is likely to make, pending legal review.

Senate Democratic Leader Nickie Antonio expressed concern that the legislation promotes discrimination. “There should be no exception to liberty and justice for all,” Antonio said, adding that the bill sends a message of exclusion.

The bill’s passage aligns Ohio with 11 other states that have enacted similar restrictions for transgender students in school restrooms and, in some cases, public facilities.