School bathroom bill banning transgender students from using preferred bathrooms clears Ohio Legislature, heads to governor

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Senate on Wednesday approved a ban on transgender students using bathrooms that fit their gender identities and sent the measure to Republican Gov.Mike DeWine.The Republican-backed bill applies to public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education.

It requires the schools 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 both school buildings and facilities used for a school-sponsored event.The legislation would not apply to school employees, emergencies or people helping young children or those with disabilities, and schools would still be able to provide single-use and family bathroom facilities.State Sen.Jerry Cirino, a Kirtland Republican, said the bill “is about safety and security.”The ACLU of Ohio urged the governor not to sign the measure, which it condemned as a violation of the right of privacy of LGBTQ+ Ohioans that will make them less safe.“If allowed to go into effect, SB 104 will create unsafe environments for trans and gender non-conforming individuals of all ages,” Jocelyn Rosnick, the group’s policy director, said in a statement.

“This bill ignores the material reality that transgender people endure higher rates of sexual violence and assaults, particularly while using public restrooms, than people who are not transgender.”The Center for Christian Virtue commended legislators for passing the bill and called on DeWine to sign it.The governor has said he’s inclined to sign the bill, but will conduct a legal review first.“Today is a huge victory for children and families in Ohio,” CCV Policy Director David Mahan said in a statement.

“Amended SB104 is common-sense legislation that will guarantee the only people entering young ladies’ private spaces are female, not men claiming to be female.”At least 11 states have adopted laws barring transgender girls and w...