Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a statement from The Heritage Foundation.
Over 20 states have passed legislation banning minors from undergoing experimental, irreversible so-called “gender-affirming” care. This includes puberty blockers, hormone treatments, and sex reassignment surgery. In addition, many states have pushed legislation that protects women’s sports from men who masquerade as women and infiltrate their sports, robbing them of awards and opportunities.
This week, one Republican governor vetoed measures to protect women’s sports and to protect children from this harmful “care.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine rejected the “Save Adolescents from Experimentation Act” and the “Save Women’s Sports Act” after the Ohio legislature passed the measures earlier this month. The legislation could still go into effect with a three-fifths vote in Ohio’s House of Representatives and Senate to override the veto.
In remarks on Friday, DeWine said that if the bill were to become law, “Ohio would be saying that the state, that the government, knows better what is medically best for a child than the two people who love that child the most, the parents.”
A spokesperson for the governor added that DeWine met with families that were “both positively and negatively affected” by this type of care.
Women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines, who competed against transgender swimmer Will “Lia” Thomas, responded to the news on X.
“Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed HB 68, a bill that would protect women's sports and prevent child mutilation,” she said, adding that DeWine is “a spineless coward.”
Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed HB 68, a bill that would protect women's sports and prevent child mutilation. Fortunately, Ohio has the votes to override the veto. @GovMikeDeWine is a spineless coward that needs to be removed from office. pic.twitter.com/u4fGJiF8C0
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) December 29, 2023
“Governor Mike DeWine is not a conservative by any stretch of the imagination,” she added. “This veto doesn't accurately represent Ohioans, nevertheless Americans.”
Governor Mike DeWine is not a conservative by any stretch of the imagination.
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) December 29, 2023
This veto doesn't accurately represent Ohioans, nevertheless Americans.
And it's our job to let him know that. (614)-466-3555 https://t.co/oqnm8gYEFi
Several polls in recent months have shown the Americans believe that transgender athletes should have to compete on sports teams that align with their biological sex instead of their “gender identity.” In a Gallup poll published this year, it was revealed that more Americans now than in 2021 believe that male-bodied athletes who believe they are women should not be permitted to compete in women's and girls' sports.
Dr. Kevin Roberts, president of The Heritage Foundation, said: "Gov. DeWine’s capitulation to radical gender ideology is outrageous and unacceptable. We all have a duty to protect children and female athletes from irreversible physical and psychological damage. HB 68 is commonsense legislation with broad, bipartisan support—state lawmakers should override the governor’s veto immediately."
Over the past several years, Heritage has published reports detailing the harmful impact of transgender care and allowing transgenders to compete in women's sports.
“Kids are not social or science experiments—and boys do not belong in girls’ sports. HB 68 protects children from irreversible damage by banning the use of experimental surgeries and cross-sex hormones on vulnerable kids and ensures fairness for female athletes by banning males from spaces and fields created specifically for women and girls. These measures are not controversial," Roberts added. “Ohioans should not forget Gov. DeWine’s decision to abandon women and girls, refusing to protect them from unsafe, unfair competition. Heritage Action urges every lawmaker in Ohio to do the right thing and stand with the majority of Americans who believe in protecting women and children.”