Ohio Governor Signs Bill to Restrict Bathroom Use for Transgender Students
Mike DeWine, a Republican, signed a bill Wednesday to restrict transgender students from using multiperson bathrooms that match their gender identities.The "Protect All Students Act" requires Ohio K-12 public and private schools and colleges and universities to designate separate bathrooms, locker rooms and overnight accommodations "for the exclusive use" of either males and females, based on one's gender assigned at or near birth, in school buildings and other facilities used for school-sponsored events.There are some people who are exempt from the new restrictions—school employees and people assisting young children or someone with a disability.
There is also an exemption for emergency situations. Schools can still offer single-use and family bathrooms.The law will take effect in 90 days.
It is unclear how this new law will be implemented given that the bill contains no enforcement mechanism.Aaron Baer, president of the Center for Christian Virtue—Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, which backed the bill—said in a statement, "Common sense is on a winning streak in America today.""No student should be forced to go into the bathroom or locker room with a student of the opposite sex, and Ohio's kids are better protected now because of Governor DeWine's decision to sign this bill," Baer said.Republican Ohio state Senator Jerry Cirino, who sponsored the bill, said, "It revolves around safety, security, and, I think, common sense.
It protects our children and grandchildren in private spaces where they are most vulnerable."DeWine has yet to release a statement about the signing of the bill.
