Ohio Senate Passes 'Protect All Students Act'

The Ohio Senate has passed State Bill 104, known as the 'Protect All Students Act', which prohibits transgender students from using school restrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity, requiring them to use facilities based on their sex assigned at birth. The bill passed along party lines in a 24-7 vote and is now awaiting potential approval from Governor Mike DeWine, who has expressed an inclination to sign it. Proponents argue the bill is necessary to protect the privacy and safety of students, while opponents, including LGBTQ advocacy groups, criticize it as discriminatory and harmful to transgender youth. The measure additionally bans the construction of gender-neutral bathrooms in schools, though single-occupancy and family facilities are permitted. This legislation is part of a broader trend where similar laws have been enacted in over ten other states, often amidst controversy and legal challenges. The bill's passage follows a pattern of recent legislation in Ohio perceived as targeting transgender individuals, sparking significant debate and protest from civil rights organizations.