Transgender Student Bathroom Bill Awaits DeWine’s Signature Amid Community Response
COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Ohio Legislature passed a bill this week that would restrict transgender students from using school bathrooms and locker rooms aligning with their gender identity. Senate Bill 104 cleared the Ohio Senate Wednesday on a 24-7 party-line vote and now awaits approval from Gov. Mike DeWine. The legislation would mandate public K-12 schools and colleges to designate separate restroom and locker facilities based solely on the gender assigned to individuals at birth, banning multi-gender facilities in these settings. If signed, Ohio would join at least 11 other states with similar legislation.
The bill, known as the "Protect All Students Act," is sponsored by Sen. Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), who has voiced concerns about privacy and safety in shared spaces. "We’re going back to the way it was, which was a much safer environment," Cirino told 3News, arguing that his granddaughters and other young girls face anxiety and intimidation if forced to share such facilities with transgender individuals. Cirino maintained that the bill is designed to address safety concerns for all students.
The bill’s restrictions would not apply in emergencies or to adults accompanying young children and people with disabilities. Institutions would be allowed to continue offering single-use and family restroom options.
Democratic senators and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups criticized the bill as discriminatory and harmful to transgender students. Sen. Kent Smith (D-Euclid), who voted against the bill, labeled it “a horrible affront on some of the more vulnerable citizens of Ohio.” State Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood) described the measure as a veiled attempt to marginalize the transgender community, adding, "This bill is not about bathrooms. It’s about demonizing those who are different."
The legislation’s trajectory through the Legislature faced scrutiny due to an unusual procedural tactic. The bill, originally designed to modify the state’s College Credit Plus program, had its scope expanded in June when Ohio House Republicans incorporated bathroom restrictions from another bill, HB 183. The amendment allowed lawmakers to circumvent the traditional legislative process, sparking criticism about potential conflicts with Ohio’s single-subject rule for legislation. Antonio expressed frustration with the legislative process, saying, “Shame on us for continuing to try and separate and exploit individuals who have already been exploited enough."
Gov. DeWine, a Republican, has signaled that he will review the bill but has not committed to signing it. His spokesperson, Dan Tierney, told CNN, “While the bill has passed, it has not been delivered to our office yet for signature.” DeWine has previously vetoed a bill banning gender-affirming surgery for minors, although lawmakers overrode that veto.
The ACLU of Ohio criticized the measure as an invasion of students' privacy rights. Jocelyn Rosnick, policy director of the ACLU of Ohio, stated, "SB 104 is a cruel invasion of students’ rights to privacy, which could result in unwarranted governmental disclosures of private, personal information.” Equality Ohio’s Executive Director, Dwayne Steward, also condemned the legislation, calling it inconsistent with Ohio’s values of respect and inclusion. Steward vowed the organization would fight the bill “every step of the way.”
The Center for Christian Virtue, a conservative advocacy group, applauded the bill’s passage, calling it "common-sense legislation" that protects children and families in Ohio. David Mahan, the group’s policy director, described the measure as “a huge victory for children and families.”
For transgender rights advocates, the bill represents yet another legislative setback in an environment they say has grown increasingly hostile. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 2023 saw a record number of similar bills passed in other states, a trend the organization denounces as a direct attack on the transgender community. LGBTQ+ advocates argue the bill will contribute to the isolation and stigmatization of transgender students in Ohio. “In this moment of heightened political hostility against the trans community, our mission has never been clearer," said Steward of Equality Ohio. "We know the power we hold when we show up together—unwavering and united—and we’re counting on that solidarity to overcome the challenging months ahead.”
Gov. DeWine has 10 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto the bill. If no action is taken, it will automatically become law.
Additional news coverage on this, from other local networks, can be found at the following sources:
WKYC, "Transgender school bathroom bill passes Ohio Legislature: Here's how both sides of debate are reacting," published on November 13, 2024. Available online.
CNN, "Bill restricting school bathroom use by transgender students passes Ohio Senate, awaits governor’s signature," published on November 14, 2024. Available online.
The Buckeye Flame, "Ohio lawmakers pass ‘Bathroom Ban,’ heads to Gov. DeWine for signature," published on November 13, 2024. Available online.
