State Rep. Sedrick Denson condemns bill to ban gender affirming care for LGBTQ+ youth

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati), ranking member of Ohio House Families, Aging, and Human Services Committee, states strong opposition of House Bill (HB) 454, which had its second hearing yesterday morning. HB 454 would ban gender affirming medical care for minors in Ohio, moving our state in the wrong direction. Instead of banning care for our children, Ohio should focus on expanding access to health care, as well as mental health services, for transgender youth.

“In order to boost our economy and build a brighter future for our state, Ohio must be an inclusive place where all people, no matter their gender identity, can live, work and raise a family safely and securely. Discussions about our children’s health care should be left to informed family members and medical professionals, not partisan politicians,” said ranking member Rep. Denson. 

The committee heard proponent testimony from several advocates representing special interest groups. These groups included Alliance Defending Freedom and American College of Pediatrics, both of whom have been identified by the Southern Poverty Law Center as hate groups for their anti-LGBTQ agenda.

Watch the committee meeting here.