Stonewall Columbus stands as a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community’s rights and dignity, our right to be seen and thriving, we express our profound disappointment with the passage of House Bill 68 by the Ohio Legislature. This bill poses a direct threat to the well-being and future of transgender and nonbinary young people across Ohio, restricting access to essential, gender-affirming care and participation in sports that align with their identity.
The decision, which passed the Senate with a 24 to 8 vote, was opposed by more than 600 voices, a testament to the widespread concern for the rights of these young individuals. The bill now awaits Governor Mike DeWine’s consideration, and we strongly urge the Governor to veto this proposed legislation to prevent its enactment.
House Bill 68 is more than just policy; it is a clear act of discrimination that politicizes the very existence of transgender and nonbinary youth. This bill neglects the universal need for health and well-being, and it undermines the trust placed in our institutions to protect and nurture our young people.
Stonewall Columbus recognizes the harm this legislation inflicts—not only on the youth it directly targets but on the very fabric of our community that values diversity and mutual respect. The bill contributes to a climate of exclusion and hostility, effectively bullying those it should protect.
We stand in solidarity with the families, health professionals, and allies/accomplices who are united in their support for the rights of all children and young people to live authentically and safely. We call upon our community to join us in advocating for the rights of our youth, to ensure that their voices are heard, and to fight against any measures that would compromise their dignity and rights. We urge our community to remember what it means to be a youth—to remember the support you may have needed…and to step-up be that support.
To Ohio’s young people and their families: we see you, we support you, and we will continue to fight alongside you for a future where every person can thrive without fear of discrimination. Your lives, your health, and your futures are invaluable, and you deserve nothing less than our unwavering commitment to your rights and well-being.
Stonewall Columbus is committed to this battle for as long as it takes and invites all who share our vision of a just and equitable society to join us in this crucial effort. We will not rest until every LGBTQ+ person in our state has the freedom to be who they are, without barriers or prejudice standing in their way.
[This statement may be attributed to Stonewall Executive Director, Densil Porteous.]
