Ohio House Passes Bill on Transgender Restrooms

The Ohio House has passed House Bill 183, which bans transgender students from using bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity, requiring them to use facilities matching their sex assigned at birth. The bill was added last-minute to an unrelated Senate Bill 104 and passed in a late-night vote with only Republicans supporting it, except for two who opposed. Proponents argue the bill is necessary for public safety, while critics, including parents of transgender teens, fear it will increase targeting and alienation of LGBTQ+ students. The bill now moves to the Senate, which will not reconvene until after the November election, and if passed, will need Governor Mike DeWine's signature. This legislation follows previous laws restricting gender-affirming care for minors and participation in female sports by transgender athletes, currently blocked by a judge. Meanwhile, new Title IX regulations under the Biden administration aim to protect LGBTQ+ students from discrimination in federally funded education programs.