In a controversial move, the Ohio Senate has voted to override Governor Mike DeWine's veto and enact a law that bans gender-affirming care for minors and limits transgender women and girls' participation in sports teams. The ban on surgeries and hormone therapies, as well as the restriction on mental health care for transgender individuals under 18, has sparked concerns among the families of transgender children.

The new law, which is expected to take effect in approximately 90 days, has raised alarm bells among advocates for transgender rights. The Republican-majority House had previously voted to override the governor's veto earlier this month, signaling strong support for the measure within the party.

For families like that of Kat Scaglione, a Chagrin Falls artist, this law has dealt a devastating blow. Two of Scaglione's children are transgender, including her 14-year-old daughter Amity who is already receiving mental health services and medication. Under the law's grandfather clause, Amity will be able to continue her current treatment, but she will be unable to seek further interventions, such as hormone therapies. This could potentially require the family to seek care out of state.

Scaglione and her partner, Matt, are even contemplating moving their family away from Ohio, despite having recently purchased a house in a school district and community that they believe to be safer for their transgender children. They feel unwelcome in Ohio and fear that the situation is unlikely to change in the near future.

Governor DeWine, although receiving criticism from his own party, had vetoed the legislation in an attempt to protect parents and children from governmental interference in medical decisions. However, just last month, he signed an executive order banning gender-affirming surgeries for individuals under 18, despite medical professionals asserting that such surgeries are not currently being performed in the state. This contradiction has led to further skepticism among LGBTQ+ advocates and Democrats who had previously held hope for the governor's veto.

The Republican senator from Summit County, Kristina Roegner, made controversial statements on the Senate floor, labeling gender-affirming care as a "fool's errand" and denying the existence of a gender spectrum. These remarks incited vociferous protests from LGBTQ+ advocates, who were closely monitored by the Statehouse security. One advocate was even escorted out of the Senate chamber while singing a hymn about Jesus loving transgender children.

With Ohio joining the ranks of at least 23 other states that have passed laws restricting or banning gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, legal battles loom ahead. Several of these states are already facing lawsuits, with courts handing down mixed rulings. Arkansas, which was the first to enact such a ban, had its law struck down by a federal judge who deemed it a violation of due process rights for transgender youth and their families.

Furthermore, approximately 20 states have implemented blanket bans on transgender athletes participating in K-12 and collegiate sports teams. However, the Biden administration is set to finalize a proposal this year that aims to prohibit outright bans, citing violations of Title IX, the landmark legislation that ensures gender equity.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Nickie J. Antonio criticized the measure as "bullying" and called for the Legislature to prioritize addressing issues such as mental health and substance use disorders instead of targeting and isolating transgender youth. LGBTQ+ advocates remain resilient and committed to protecting the rights of transgender residents and their families, with organizations like Equality Ohio exploring legal and legislative options to counteract this legislation.

As Ohio faces the fallout from this divisive law, the debate surrounding gender-affirming care for minors and transgender sports participation continues to grip the nation, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.