Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include a statement from The Heritage Foundation.
More than 20 states have passed laws prohibiting minors from using experimental, irreversible, so-called “gender-affirming” care. This includes puberty blockers, hormone treatments and gender reassignment surgery. Additionally, many states have pushed through legislation to protect women’s sports from men pretending to be women and infiltrating their sports, robbing them of rewards and opportunities.
This week, a Republican governor vetoed a measure aimed at protecting women’s sports and children from this harmful “care.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine rejected the Youth Experimentation Protection Act and the Women’s Sports Act after the Ohio Legislature passed them earlier this month. The legislation could still become law if the Ohio House and Senate override the veto by a three-fifths vote.
In Friday’s remarks, DeWine said that if the bill were to become law, “Ohio would say that the state and the government know better what is medically best for a child than the two people who love that child most: the parents.”
The governor’s spokesman added that DeWine has met with families who have been “affected both positively and negatively” by this type of care.
Women’s sports supporter Riley Gaines, who competed against transgender swimmer Will “Lia” Thomas, responded to X’s message.
“Governor Mike DeWine vetoed HB 68, which would have protected women’s sports and prevented child mutilation,” she said, adding that DeWine is a “spineless coward.”
Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed HB 68, which was intended to protect women’s sports and prevent child mutilation. Fortunately, Ohio has the votes to override a veto. @GovMikeDeWine he is a spineless coward who should be removed from office. pic.twitter.com/u4fGJiF8C0
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) December 29, 2023
“Governor Mike DeWine is by no means a conservative,” she added. “This veto does not accurately reflect Ohioans, but Americans nonetheless.”
Governor Mike DeWine is by no means a conservative.
This veto does not accurately reflect Ohioans, but Americans nonetheless.
And our task is to make him aware of this. (614)-466-3555 https://t.co/oqnm8gYEFi
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) December 29, 2023
Several polls in recent months have shown that Americans believe transgender athletes should be forced to compete on sports teams consistent with their biological sex, not their “gender identity.” A Gallup poll released this year shows that more Americans now than in 2021 believe that male athletes who consider themselves women should not be allowed to compete in women’s and girls’ sports.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, said: “Governor DeWine’s capitulation to radical gender ideology is outrageous and unacceptable. We all have a responsibility to protect children and athletes from irreversible physical and psychological harm. HB 68 is common sense legislation with broad bipartisanship support“State lawmakers should override the governor’s veto immediately.”
Heritage has been publishing over the last few years reports describing in detail harmful the impact of care and consent on transgender people transgender to compete in women’s sports.
“Children are not social or scientific experiments, and boys should not participate in girls’ sports. HB 68 protects children from irreversible harm by banning experimental surgery and the use of cross-sex hormones on vulnerable children, and ensures justice for female athletes by banning men from spaces and fields created specifically for women and girls. These measures are not controversial,” Roberts added. “Ohioans should not forget Governor DeWine’s decision to abandon women and girls by refusing to protect them from dangerous and unfair competition. Heritage Action calls on every legislator in Ohio to do the right thing and stand with the majority Americans who believe in protecting women and children.”
