COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio lawmakers proposed a ban on transgender students using bathrooms that match their gender identity during a late-night vote Wednesday in the state House just before they left Columbus for the summer.
The Republican-backed bill was returned to the Senate with the amended provision, which covers public K-12 schools and higher education institutions. It would not apply to school staff, emergency responders or people who help young children or people with disabilities. Schools would still be able to provide single-use sanitary facilities and family bathrooms.
It would also prohibit schools from allowing male and female students to share overnight accommodations.
Ethan Kash, a legislative aide who works in the office of the amendment’s sponsor, Cincinnati Republican Rep. Adam Bird, said Thursday that the “overnight lodging” provision would apply to K-12 school field trips, but not at colleges and universities.
At least eleven states have passed laws banning transgender girls and women from girls’ and women’s restrooms in public schools, and in some cases other government facilities. The laws are in effect in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, Oklahoma and Tennessee. A court order suspending enforcement is in effect in Idaho. Utah’s ban is expected to go into effect on July 1.
Ohio House Republicans added the measure to a proposal regarding Ohio’s college credit program for high school students. A standalone bill on bathroom use that was submitted by a House panel this spring has not yet been put to a full vote in the House.
Supporters say school officials need clarity and that the goal of the proposal is to protect children. Opponents see it as an attempt by Republicans who control the Legislature to limit the rights of Ohioans.
