A bill banning gender affirming care in Ohio has been temporarily blocked by a judge in Franklin County today.

Judge Michael Holbrook issued a two-week restraining order on the bill or until the hearing of a preliminary injunction filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The restraining order may be renewed after the two weeks.

ACLU attorneys argued that the bill violates the Ohio Constitution because it covers more than one single subject

HB 68 would ban gender-affirming care for minors and prevent transgender athletes from participation in girls’ and women’s sports. 

“We are thrilled and relieved that Ohio’s ban on gender affirming health care has been halted, and that transgender youth can continue, for the near term at least, to access medically necessary healthcare," said Freda Levenson, legal director for the ACLU of Ohio. "Our legal battle will continue until, we hope, this cruel restriction is permanently blocked. Ohio families have a constitutional right to make personal healthcare decisions without government intrusion.”

Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed the bill Dec. 29, but both the state's House and Senate overrode it.

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."
 

The bill was expected to take effect next week.