Second anti-trans law this week is blocked
For the second time this week, a judge has blocked anti-transgender legislation from taking effect. In Ohio today (April 17), a Republican judge, Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook, issued a temporary restraining order against HB 68, which makes it illegal to use puberty blockers, hormone therapy and surgery on minors.
Those already receiving treatment would be exempt from the law. Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed the law in December, but the legislature voted to override and it was set to take effect on April 24.
The ACLU sued on behalf of two transgender teens, arguing the law violates the state constitution’s equal protection clause and a rule that prevents a law from covering more than one subject.
In West Virginia on Tuesday, a federal appeals court ruled that a law banning trans students from playing on school sports teams aligning with their gender identity was discrimination.
