COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — A vote to override Governor Mike DeWine’s veto of controversial House Bill 68 is the latest effort by Ohio republican lawmakers to make sure no child under 18 years old has access to puberty blockers, hormones, or gender reassignment surgery. It also prevents transgender youth from participating in women's school sports.
Lawmakers are set to vote during a 2 p.m. session at the Ohio Statehouse on Wednesday.
Speaker of the House Jason Stephens spoke of his support for HB 68 back in December.
"I do think this is a bill that empowers parents, but it also protects children, and that's really important," said Stephens.
After researching the topics at hand, DeWine moved to veto the bill on December 28, followed by an executive order blocking gender-reassignment surgery but not hormone and puberty blockers for minors in Ohio.
"I cannot sign this bill as it is currently written, and a few moments ago, I vetoed the bill," announced DeWine during a press conference on December 28.
DeWine added that lawmakers have the right to challenge his decision.
"They have the constitutional right to do that, and they will do what they think is best. I think I have stated my position clearly that this is a question of the parents who should be involved. Not the state of Ohio." Said DeWine.
In a release Tuesday, Equitas Health, one of the largest providers of gender-affirming care in Ohio, announced its strong opposition to efforts by the state legislature and DeWine to restrict patient access to gender-affirming care:
"Simply put, healthcare decisions should be made by patients and their healthcare providers — not politicians."Equitas says Ohio’s proposed rules that would go into effect would be among the most extreme in the nation.
Until lawmakers finalize the limits and restrictions of HB 68, families impacted remain uncertain for the future.
The state legislature needs 3/5 approval or 60 percent to override the Governor’s veto.
The session will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m.
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