Ohio Judge Upholds Ban on Transgender Care

A Franklin County judge has ruled that Ohio's ban on gender-affirming health care for transgender minors, encapsulated in House Bill 68, can take effect. The law, which also prohibits transgender athletes from participating in sports aligning with their gender identity, was initially vetoed by Governor Mike DeWine but later overruled by the legislature. The ruling vacated a temporary restraining order and upheld the state's position that the ban is constitutional, citing a legitimate state interest in regulating medical treatments and protecting minors. The ACLU of Ohio, which challenged the law on multiple constitutional grounds, plans to appeal the decision, arguing it denies essential healthcare to transgender youth. The court found that the law does not violate the single-subject rule or the state's Health Care Freedom Amendment. The judge emphasized that the law does not impose a permanent ban but delays medical procedures until minors reach adulthood.