Ohio House of Representatives overrides Governor's veto of HB 68

The controversial bill that would ban gender affirming care for transgender people in Ohio has not died just yet.

Today the Ohio House of Representatives have voted to override Gov. Mike DeWine's veto of the bill.

The final count was 65 in favor and 28 against overriding the veto of the bill. Next the bill heads to the Ohio Senate for an override vote.

“Today, we’ve taken a vital step towards protecting children and upholding the integrity of women's sports in Ohio," said Rep. Robb Blasdel of Columbiana County. "I voted to override the Governor's veto on House Bill 68, which includes the SAFE Act and the Save Women's Sports Act. I commend my fellow members in the House for their unwavering commitment to advocating for the well-being of children and families. I look forward to our colleagues in the Senate doing the same.”

HB 65 would ban gender-affirming care for minors and prevent transgender athletes from participation in girls’ and women’s sports.

In a statement released after the house overrode the bill DeWine said: "I continue to believe it is in the best interests of children for these medical decisions to be made by the child’s parents and not by the government."

DeWine vetoed the bill Dec. 29.

DeWine explained that the primary reason he did not support the bill was that he had spoken to parents whose children have transitioned, as well as those who transitioned themselves and concluded that the consequences of this bill would be "profound."

"Parents have looked me in the eye and have told me if not for this treatment, their child would be dead," DeWine said.

Meanwhile, senate republicans are celebrating the success of the first step to override the governor's veto of HB 68.

"When Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed this critical piece of legislation, I was extremely disappointed," said Sen. Michael Rulli. "This bill protects our children from mutilation, experimentation and from biological men playing in women’s sports. As a cosponsor of HB68, I fully support the Ohio House’s vote to override Gov. DeWine’s veto and I look forward to voting for an override in the Senate.”

DeWine signs executive order banning gender transition surgery for minors, HB-68 position still stands

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