Transgender students in Ohio's kindergarten through college grades will be required to use the restroom that corresponds to their biological sex under a new bill signed into law Wednesday.
The bathroom bill, signed by Republican Gov. Mike DeWine, would require public and private schools and universities to designate separate restrooms, locker rooms and lodging facilities “for the exclusive use” of men and women.
The Republican-backed bill, called the Every Student Protection Act, would apply to school buildings and other facilities used for school-sponsored events.
“It revolves around safety, security and common sense,” said Republican Ohio Sen. Jerry Cirino, the bill's sponsor. “This protects our children and grandchildren when they are the most vulnerable. I will protect it in the privacy of my position.”
According to the measure, school staff, people in emergency situations, and those supporting young children and people with disabilities will be exempted from the new restrictions.
Schools can also provide private or family bathrooms.
Ohio's bathroom bill was debated for about 19 months before it finally passed the Republican-led Legislature on Nov. 13.
Mr. DeWine signed the legislation over the objections of Democrats, teachers unions and civil rights groups who sought to veto it.
But supporters welcomed the move.
“Common sense is triumphing in America today,” Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue, which supported the bill, said in a statement.
“Students should not be forced to enter restrooms or locker rooms with students of the opposite sex. Thanks to Governor DeWine's decision to sign this bill, Ohio's children will be better protected. It became.”
Separate laws went into effect in the state in August that ban gender-affirming care for minors and prevent transgender girls and women from participating in girls' and women's sports competitions. .
Currently, at least 11 states have adopted laws similar to Ohio's that ban transgender girls and women from girls' and girls' restrooms in public schools and, in some cases, other government facilities.
Meanwhile, 24 states have also enacted laws making sports competitions open to transgender girls and women.
with post wire
