In the wake of a judge’s ruling on Ohio legislation that is considered anti-trans by most advocates, some families with transgender teens are now contemplating moving out of the state.
A Republican judge in Ohio ruled Tuesday that the state’s law banning gender-affirming care for transgender youth can go into effect. The controversial legislation also prohibits trans athletes from participating in middle, high school or college athletics on teams that align with their identity.
Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook ruled that House Bill 68 is constitutional.
“Upon careful review and consideration of the evidence, the Court finds the Health Care Ban reasonably limits parents’ rights to make decisions about their children’s medical care consistent with the State’s deeply rooted legitimate interest in the regulation of medical profession and medical treatments,” Holbrook wrote in his decision.
The controversial legislation prevents LGBTQ+ minors from accessing care such as hormone blockers, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and some mental health services.