Leader Russo Calls Ohio's 'Don't Say Gay' Bill an Attack on LGTBQ+ Schoolchildren, Disservice to Public Educators

COLUMBUS – Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today condemned the passage of House Bill (HB) 8, Ohio’s version of the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill. The law passed 57-31 late Wednesday night, requires public schools to notify parents about any matters concerning a student’s mental health, emotional well-being, or requests related to gender identity.  

“In 2023, due to continued attacks on their identity, more than one in 10 children who identify as LGTBQ+ in the US attempted suicide. House Bill 8 now makes Ohio one step closer to requiring all teachers and school staff members to out any school child questioning their sexual identity, even when this information may endanger the safety and wellbeing of a student. We are not helping these children or their families. This law will only drive children further into isolation, drastically harming their personal safety and mental health. We failed these children and put their teachers into an unimaginable position,” said Leader Russo. 

HB 8 was also amended to include provisions of Senate Bill 293, requiring all Ohio school districts to allow students to leave during the day for religious instruction.

“Every parent or school board member knows the limited hours educators have during a school day are critical for our students. Programs that pull students out of critical classroom time should be seriously reviewed, and that should happen at a local level,” said Leader Russo. “What might work for one district or community may not make sense for others. The passage of this legislation significantly heightens the risk of classroom disruption across Ohio. This legislation is a one-size-fits-all approach that leaves local communities and families without a say in what works best for their schools.”

HB 8 now heads to the governor where he can either veto the bill or sign it into law.