Ohio Republicans move bill on school bathroom use by transgender students forward in Legislature

Columbus, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers proposed a ban on transgender students using bathrooms that match their gender identity during a vote in the state House late Wednesday evening just before they left Columbus for the summer.

The Republican-backed bill was sent back to the Senate with the amended provision, which covers public K-12 schools and institutions of higher education. It would not apply to school workers, emergency situations or people who assist young children or people with disabilities. Schools would still be able to offer single 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, Republican Rep. Adam Bird of Cincinnati, said Thursday that the “overnight accommodations” provision would apply to school trips from kindergarten through high school, but not to colleges and universities.

At least 11 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 take effect on July 1.

Ohio House Republicans added the measure to a proposal regarding Ohio’s high school credit program. A standalone bill on bathroom use introduced by a House panel this spring has not received a full vote in the chamber.

Supporters say school administrators 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.