Veto of Anti-Trans Bill Supports Children, Families

COLUMBUS – House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today called Governor Mike DeWine’s decision to veto the discriminatory House Bill (HB) 68 a much needed sign of support for Ohio’s LGBTQ+ children and the community overall, as well as parental rights.

“I appreciate that Governor DeWine took his time to listen to the individuals most impacted by this discriminatory legislation and to understand the fact-based science on this issue. It sends a much needed message of support to Ohio's LGBTQ+ youth that they and their families are seen and heard and deserve the fundamental freedom like everyone else to feel safe in their own communities and to maintain their rights as parents to make medical decisions that are best for their children,” said Leader Russo.

House Democrats called on Gov. DeWine to veto the legislation saying, “Hate, as you yourself have said, has no place in this state,” in a Dec. 16 letter to the governor. The draconian HB 68 was a horrible solution to a problem that does not exist. The veto once again proves that all Ohioans have the right to keep their individual medical choices between them and their doctors.